Images

James K. Polk (1795-1849) as Speaker of the US House of Representatives (1835-1839). Artwork by Charles Fendrich, printed by Peter S. Duval, 1838. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

A campaign banner for the Democratic Party candidates of the US Presidential Election of 1844: James K. Polk (left) and his running mate George M. Dallas (right). Lithograph with watercolor by Nathaniel Currier, 1844. Library of Congress...

US General Winfield Scott occupies Mexico City on 14 September 1847 at the end of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). By Carl Nebel, 1851. New York Public Library.

Battle of Molina del Rey (8 Sept 1847) in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Hand-colored lithograph by Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot, after a drawing by Carl Nebel, 1851.

Battle of Churubusco (20 Aug 1847), fought during the campaign to capture Mexico City during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). By John Cameron, published by Nathan Currier, 1847. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Gen. Zachary Taylor leads the American troops at the Battle of Palo Alto (8 May 1846). By an artist with the initials C.S., published by N. Currier, 1846. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

US President James K. Polk (1795-1849) at the end of his term, February 1849. Reproduction of a daguerrotype by Mathew Brady. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna surrenders to Sam Houston's Texian force after the Battle of San Jacinto (21 April 1836), securing Texas' independence. Painting by William Henry Huddle, 1886; in the Texas State Capitol, Austin...

Antonio López de Santa Anna, oil on canvas by Manuel Paris, mid-19th century. Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec

The Fall of the Alamo or Crockett's Last Stand by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk, 1903. Governor's Mansion of Austin, TX.