PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of birth: November 24, 1784
Place of birth: Orange County, Virginia
Political party: Whig
Political offices:
- President of the United States (1849–1850)
- Senator from Louisiana (1840–1841)
Military service:
- War of 1812
- Black Hawk War
- Second Seminole War
- Mexican-American War
FAMILY INFORMATION
Parents:
- Richard Taylor
- Sarah Dabney Strother Taylor
Spouse: Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor
Children:
- Sarah Knox Taylor
- Richard Taylor
- Octavia P. Taylor
- Margaret Smith Taylor
- Mary Elizabeth Taylor
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Zachary Taylor was born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia. His father, Richard Taylor, was a wealthy planter and a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. His mother, Sarah Dabney Strother Taylor, died when he was only a year old. Taylor was raised by his father and his stepmother, Lucy Penn Taylor.
Taylor received a limited formal education. He attended local schools for a few years, but his education was interrupted by his father's financial problems. At the age of 16, Taylor decided to leave home and join the United States Army.
MILITARY CAREER
Taylor's military career spanned more than 40 years. He fought in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, the Second Seminole War, and the Mexican-American War. He distinguished himself as a courageous and capable leader and was promoted to the rank of major general in 1846.
In the Mexican-American War, Taylor led the American forces to victory at the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. These victories made him a national hero and paved the way for his political career.
POLITICAL CAREER
In 1840, Taylor was elected to the United States Senate from Louisiana. He served in the Senate for one year before resigning to run for president in 1848. Taylor ran as a Whig candidate and won the election by a narrow margin. He took office as the 12th president of the United States in March 1849.
Taylor's presidency was marked by several challenges. The country was divided over the issue of slavery, and Taylor struggled to maintain unity between the North and the South. He also faced a number of foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Mexico and the threat of war with Britain over the Oregon Territory.
Taylor died of cholera on July 9, 1850, just 16 months after taking office. He was succeeded by his vice president, Millard Fillmore.
LEGACY
Zachary Taylor is remembered as a courageous and capable military leader. He is also remembered as a man of integrity and honesty. Taylor was a true American patriot who served his country with honor and distinction.