James K. Polk was the first former president to visit Savannah, arriving on Saturday, March 10, 1849 at 9 p.m. Upon reaching the city, there was a thunderous salute from cannons situated around the city. The mayor and aldermen of Savannah came out to the boat carrying Polk and escorted him to the shores of the city. After resting briefly at their hotel, Polk's party proceeded to the Armory Hall for an enormous reception.