Zachary Taylor – 12

Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States of America.

He is famous for being one of the most famous military leaders of his time and gained the status of being a war hero after his prominent role in the Mexican-American War.

When and where was he born?

Zachary Taylor was born in Orange County, Virginia on November 24, 1784.

Early Life

Zachary Taylor was born in Virginia but his family soon moved to Kentucky where he spent his early years. He father was a farmer who lived on the frontier and owned a large parcel of land.

Zachary Taylor received a formal education, not only during his early years but through the rest of his life as well.

He didn’’t study law or gain any experience in politics. He joined the army in 1808 and he would continue to serve in the U.S. army for the next four decades.

Life in the Military

Initially, Zachary Taylor had the junior rank of a lieutenant when he joined the military. Before soon, he displayed great leadership and valor which led to promotion to senior positions.

Most of his early military exploits took place in the fight against Native American tribes during the War of 1812.

He played an important role in defending Fort Harrison against a major Native American assault and took place in the expeditions against the Native Americans in the Florida region.

He later played a leading role in the Mexican-American War. During the war, he led the U.S. army in a number of battles and scored many important victories.

It was largely due to his victories that the U.S. army secured a clear victory in the war. By the time the war had ended, Zachary Taylor was considered a war hero all over USA.

Life as the President

Although Zachary Taylor had no experience of politics or any background in the public service, he ran for Presidency in 1848.

His candidacy was supported by both the northern and the southern states. He was also quite popular as a war hero and so, easily won the election becoming the 12th President of the United States of America.

When he became President, the differences between the northern and southern states had grown quite serious. Although he supported by both, Zachary Taylor showed more support for the northern states.

He believed that the southern states had no right to break away from the Union and should be forcefully stopped if they attempted to do so.

Although he owned slaves himself, he was also of the view that the new states being added to USA in the western territories should not have any slavery. These views led the southern states to become his opponents.

Later Life and Death

Zachary Taylor remained President for a relatively brief time. His Presidency began in 1849. On July 4, 1850, he ate some snacks during the Independence Day celebrations. The snacks were apparently poisoned and he contracted cholera which led to his death on July 9, 1850.

Learn More about American President Zachary Taylor at Wikipedia