#12 – Zachary Taylor

#12 – Zachary Taylor

#12 – Zachary Taylor • Born: November 24, 1784 • Birthplace: Barboursville, Virginia • Political party: Whig • Term: 1849-50 • Vice President: Millard Fillmore • Nickname: Old Rough and Ready • Children: 6; 1 boy and 5 girls • Died: July 9, 1850

#12 – Zachary Taylor • As an infant he moved to Jefferson County, Kentucky . • He did not attend college. • 1803: Volunteer in the Kentucky Militia • 1808: He was commissioned as first Lieutenant of infantry. • 1810: married Margaret Mackall Smith

#12 – Zachary Taylor • 1812: Defended Fort Harrison against an Indian attack. • 1815: promoted to Major General. Resigns the same year. • 1816: re-enters the military. • 1832: fought in the Black Hawk War. • 1837: ranked a Brigadier General.

#12 – Zachary Taylor • 1837-40: fought in the Seminole Wars in Florida. Earned the nickname “Old Rough and Ready” • 1840-45: remained in the army but lived on his plantation in Mississippi. • 1846: Taylor awaits orders to attack Mexico. Border dispute! Congress declares war – Mexican War begins. • Involved in the battles of Palo Alto, Monterey, and Buena Vista.

#12 – Zachary Taylor • The victory at Buena Vista elevates Taylor’s popularity – becomes a “War Hero”

#12 – Zachary Taylor • He is demoted by President Polk and does not invade Mexico City. Polk is afraid of his popularity. Polk thinks that when the war is over he may try to run for President. • June 1848: Whigs nominate him as Presidential candidate. • 1849-50: Elected the 12th President of the U.S.

#12 – Zachary Taylor • July 4, 1850: Taylor celebrates by eating a bowl of cherries and milk. As a result he contracts food poisoning and dies 5 days later. • July 9, 1850 : Dies in Washington D.C.

Interesting Facts: • 1849: safety pin invented – Walter Hunt, U.S. • 1850: Compromise of 1850 passes house, not Senate. • 1850: Fugitive Slave Act passes house, not Senate. • No states admitted

#12 – Zachary Taylor