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Historical Marker to Be Unveiled at Former James K. Polk Residence Site

Issue #673

February 25, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Rain showers early, some sunshine later w/ high of 61, low of 38

📰 Historical Marker to Be Unveiled at Former James K. Polk Residence Site

📰 Learn How Columbia Works: Apply Now for Columbia 101

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Historical Marker to Be Unveiled at Former James K. Polk Residence Site

The City of Columbia invites community members to attend a special unveiling ceremony for a historical marker commemorating the former site of a residence once owned and occupied by President James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah Childress Polk.

The home once stood in what is now a parking lot for the Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. James and Sarah Polk initially rented the modest house for one year before purchasing it in 1825. The residence served as their primary home until 1845, when James K. Polk was elected as the 11th President of the United States and the couple relocated to the White House.

During their years in Columbia, the Polks graciously entertained distinguished guests, including former Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. After leaving the White House, the Polks sold the home in 1847 and later settled in Nashville. The house subsequently changed ownership several times before being demolished in 1961. While the original structure is no longer standing, the site remains historically significant.

This location is separate from the President James K. Polk Home & Museum in Columbia, which was Polk’s ancestral home. It is the only home still standing, except for the White House, that Polk lived in.  The marker being unveiled recognizes a different property that the Polks owned and lived in during their married life.

The unveiling ceremony will honor the historical importance of this site and President Polk’s enduring connection to Columbia.

Polk Residence Historical Marker Unveiling:

March 4, 2026
4:00 PM
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home Parking Lot
320 W 7th Street

Learn How Columbia Works: Apply Now for Columbia 101

The City of Columbia announces the return of Columbia 101, an interactive civic engagement program designed to give residents an inside look at how local government operates. After three successful installments, the city is now accepting applications for the next Columbia 101 session, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 29th. 

Developed to strengthen transparency between citizens and their city, Columbia 101 offers participants a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how municipal departments serve the community. Over the course of two consecutive days, participants will begin each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments. 

“An informed community is essential to a strong city. Columbia 101 helps residents gain a deeper understanding of city operations, encourages civic participation, and supports continued progress through shared knowledge and engagement,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. 

A Fall 2025 participant shared their experience, saying, “The Columbia 101 class was a great way to learn about how the city government works and also to be able to meet some of the key people who make things happen. I have a much better understanding and appreciation for all of the things that the city does to make Columbia a good place to live. I highly recommend this class.”

Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, March 20th at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants to cover program costs, including food and transportation. 

“Columbia 101 provides residents with a structured overview of how city departments operate and collaborate to deliver essential services,” City Manager Tony Massey stated. “It is a valuable opportunity for participants to learn more about the planning, resources, and coordination required to serve a growing community.”

Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We’re excited to welcome a new group of participants this spring. Columbia 101 offers a meaningful way for residents to learn more about the city they call home and become more involved in its future.”

Columbia 101 applications are available here or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at [email protected].

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, February 26th

Friday, February 27th

Saturday, February 28th

Sunday, March 1st

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, February 26
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s (Spring Hill), 6–9 PM
Rianna Marie – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, February 27
Open Mic Night – Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Tommy Wheatley – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Brittany Elise – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Mulehouse Songwriters Series – The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Backlit – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, February 28
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vintage Voltage – Gary’s Place, 8–11 PM
Rubiks Groove – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM


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