10 fun and interesting Zachary Taylor facts

1. A Leader in American History

Zachary Taylor was born in 1784 in the state of Virginia, a state that was a major player in the American Revolution and the birthplace of several of the Founding Fathers. Taylor was born into a prominent family of planters and was the third president of the United States, serving from 1849 to 1850. He was a career military officer who had served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War, and was known for his victories in the Mexican-American War. Taylor was a Whig and was the first president to not belong to any political party. He died in office in 1850, just 16 months after taking office.

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2. Brave Soldier, Major General in the US Army

At the tender age of 18, Zachary Taylor entered military service in 1808, just in time to serve throughout the War of 1812. He was a brave soldier, fighting in many battles and campaigns, and eventually rising to the rank of Major General in the United States Army. His service during the War of 1812 was instrumental in helping the United States gain its independence and secure its place in the world.

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3. Zachary Taylor's Passion for Service Never Ended

After the War of 1812 ended in 1814, Zachary Taylor was reduced to the rank of captain and resigned from the army. However, his passion for service was not diminished, and he re-entered the army one year later, this time with a commission as a major. Taylor's dedication to the military was unwavering, and he went on to become a highly decorated general and the 12th President of the United States.

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4. A Leader on the Front Lines

In 1819, Zachary Taylor was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was assigned to lead the 7th Infantry to Natchitoches, Louisiana. Located on the Red River, Natchitoches was a strategic location for the United States at the time, and Taylor was tasked with protecting the area from foreign invasion. Taylor and his regiment were successful in their mission, and Taylor's leadership and tactical prowess earned him recognition from his superiors.

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5. Zachary Taylor's Major Victory

In April 1832, Zachary Taylor was promoted to colonel of the 1st Infantry Regiment. His success in this role led to him being promoted to Brigadier General in 1837, following his victory over the Seminoles at Lake Okeechobee. This victory was a major milestone in Taylor's career, and it cemented his reputation as a capable military leader.

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6. "Old Rough and Ready": Zach Taylor, 12th US Prez

Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, earned the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" during his service in the Seminole Indian War from 1837 to 1840. During this conflict, Taylor demonstrated his bravery and leadership skills, leading his troops to victory in several battles. His courage and determination earned him the admiration of his men, and the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" stuck with him for the rest of his life.

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7. Successful Commander of Western Division

In 1841, Zachary Taylor was appointed commander of the Second Department of the Army's Western Division, a position that saw him spend much of his time attending to military matters and land speculation. During his tenure, Taylor was responsible for overseeing the defense of the western frontier, as well as the acquisition of land from Native American tribes. He also used his position to purchase land for himself, which he then sold for a profit. Taylor's time as commander of the Second Department of the Army's Western Division was a period of great success for him, both professionally and financially.

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8. Hero of Palo Alto and Resace de la Palma

Zachary Taylor quickly rose to fame after commanding American forces in two pivotal battles during the Mexican-American War: the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resace de la Palma. His heroic efforts in these battles earned him the admiration of the American people, and he was soon hailed as a popular hero. Taylor's success in these battles was instrumental in the eventual victory of the United States in the war.

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9. The Last President to Own Slaves

Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, elected in 1849, and the last to own slaves while in the White House. Despite the fact that slavery was still legal in the United States at the time, Taylor's ownership of slaves was a controversial issue during his presidency. He owned a total of nine slaves, seven of whom were brought to the White House with him when he took office. Taylor's ownership of slaves was a major factor in his eventual defeat in the 1852 election.

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10. Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, Passes Away

On July 8, 1950, Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, passed away at the White House. His death came as a shock to the nation, as he had only been in office for 16 months. Taylor was a career military officer, having served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War. He was the last President to have served in the War of 1812 and the only President to have served in the Mexican-American War. His death marked the end of an era in American history.