Dark ringlets of curls and a pretty oval face reflecting integrity and charm were the endearing features of Sarah Childress Polk wife and First Lady of President James K Polk who served from 1844 to 1848 during America's era of expansionist Manifest Destiny. She was one of the first truly politically important First Ladies of America because she acted as her husband's main political adviser, close confidante and personal secretary, and was blessed with a sound acumen and moral uprightness. Both in her domestic charm and political acumen, Sarah Childress Polk became a role model for future First Ladies to follow both in strength of character and political performance.