The President Who Called Columbia Home

Issue #666

February 16, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 70, low of 58

📰 The President Who Called Columbia Home

🎹 2/20: Music City Dueling Pianos at The Mulehouse

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

The President Who Called Columbia Home

Few towns can claim a direct connection to the White House, but Columbia can — through James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States.

Although he was born in North Carolina in 1795, Polk moved to Maury County as a child when his family settled in what was then the Tennessee frontier. His father became a successful farmer and landowner, and the Polk family established deep roots in Columbia. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, James returned to Tennessee, studied law, and began his political career right here before rising through state and national office.

Polk served one term as president from 1845 to 1849, and those four years were marked by dramatic changes for the young nation. During his administration, the United States expanded all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The Oregon boundary dispute with Great Britain was settled, and following the Mexican-American War, vast western territories were added to the nation. His presidency also saw the creation of the Department of the Interior and the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy.

A protégé of fellow Tennessean Andrew Jackson, Polk was known for setting clear goals and relentlessly pursuing them. He promised to serve only one term — and he kept that promise. But his retirement was brief. After leaving office in 1849 at just 53 years old, Polk returned to Tennessee and died only 103 days later during a widespread cholera outbreak across Middle Tennessee — the shortest retirement of any U.S. president and the youngest a president has died of natural causes.

Today, Columbia is home to the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, the only surviving private residence connected to his life. Built in 1816 by his father, the home stands as a reminder that one of America’s most consequential presidents once walked the streets of Maury County long before he walked the halls of Washington.

👉 Watch the video above to take a look inside the Polk home.

Tired of news that feels like noise?

Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.

2/20: Music City Dueling Pianos at The Mulehouse

Get ready for a night where the crowd calls the shots, the music never stops, and the energy hits the ceiling!

Music City Dueling Pianos brings the ultimate interactive sing-along party straight from Nashville — featuring world-class entertainers who turn your favorite songs into an unforgettable, request-driven experience.

Founded in 2017 by longtime Nashville performer Chris Hatfield, Music City Dueling Pianos was built on one mission: make every show a celebration. What started as a passion project has become one of the region’s most in-demand live acts, known for high-energy performances, big laughs, and moments you’ll talk about long after the night ends.

From pop and country to rock anthems, throwback jams, and guilty-pleasure favorites, no genre is off limits and no two shows are ever the same. You bring the requests—we bring the talent, the banter, and the party.

Whether you’re singing, dancing, clapping, or shouting out your next request… you’re part of the show!

Check out the Music City Dueling Pianos Instagram page to learn more and see what a show is like. They just had three sold out nights at the Franklin Theatre!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, February 17th

Wednesday, February 18th

Thursday, February 19th

Friday, February 20th

Saturday, February 21st

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, February 17
Los Swamp Monsters – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30 PM
Songwriters Round – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Wednesday, February 18
Open Mic – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7 PM

Thursday, February 19
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s (Spring Hill), 6–9 PM
Billy Wilson – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, February 20
Music City Dueling Pianos – The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Nick Bentley – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellano – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Madison McCoy – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Bonus Track – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

Saturday, February 21
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Chad Cates – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Grace West Band – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk