Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor, the twelfth president of the United States, was born on November 24, 1784.

Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor was born on September 21, 1788.

In 1806, Zachary Taylor enlisted in the army and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the infantry in 1808. This marked the beginning of his military career.

In 1808, Zachary Taylor left home to serve as a first lieutenant for the U.S. Army's Kentuckian Seventh Infantry Regiment.

Zachary Taylor married Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor in 1810 and they had six children together. Two of their children, Margaret and Mary, died in childhood.

Zachary Taylor was involved in the War of 1812, showcasing his early military career and leadership skills.

Zachary Taylor resigned from the army in 1815, marking a significant transition in his life and career.

In May 1816, Zachary Taylor reentered the U.S. Army, marking a significant event in his military career.

In 1818, Zachary Taylor commanded Fort Howard near present day Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In 1819, Zachary Taylor was promoted to lieutenant colonel and also attended a social event for President James Monroe and military officer and future president Andrew Jackson when the two visited Frankfort, Kentucky.

In 1820, Zachary Taylor attended a social event for President James Monroe and military officer and future president Andrew Jackson when the two visited Frankfort, Kentucky.

While engaged in Eighth Infantry construction of Jackson Road in Louisiana, Zachary Taylor's family fell severely ill with malaria. Tragically, his two youngest daughters, Octavia and Margaret, succumbed to the illness in 1820. Although his wife Margaret Taylor survived, she experienced compromised health for the remainder of her life.

Zachary Taylor was involved in the Black Hawk War in 1832.

In 1835, Sarah Taylor, daughter of a military commander, defied her father's disapproval and married Lieutenant Jefferson Davis at her aunt's home near Louisville.

In 1837, Taylor was promoted to brevet brigadier general, a significant advancement in his military career, and he assumed command of all U.S. forces in the southern United States.

In 1840, the Taylor family moved to Louisiana, settling near Baton Rouge. They owned properties where slavery was practiced in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

In 1841, Zachary Taylor expressed his support for the Whig Party and the presidency of William Henry Harrison, while being critical of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

President James K. Polk declared war against Mexico, leading to a battle between General Zachary Taylor's 6,000-man army and Mexican General Santa Anna's 20,000 troops. Taylor's victory in the Battle of Buena Vista made him a well-known and popular military leader.

The Mexican-American War began with a skirmish between Mexican troops and the forces commanded by Zachary Taylor at the Rio Grande.

Zachary Taylor achieved a significant victory at Monterrey during the Mexican War, demonstrating his military prowess and strategic acumen.

Zachary Taylor secured a major triumph at the Battle of Buena Vista in the Mexican War, showcasing his exceptional leadership and tactical skills.

Whig candidate General Zachary Taylor defeats Democrat Lewis Cass and former Democratic President Martin Van Buren. Taylor won 56.2% of the Electoral College and 47.3% of the popular vote, becoming the first President with no prior experience in elective or appointive office.

Incoming President Taylor is reported to have finalized his choices for his Cabinet.

Zachary Taylor was inaugurated as the 12th President of the United States.

Zachary Taylor was inaugurated as the president of the United States on March 5, 1849.

Zachary Taylor issued a proclamation declaring a day of fasting and prayer for the victims of cholera.

Zachary Taylor embarked on a speaking tour through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York.

On December 4, 1849, Zachary Taylor delivered his sole State of the Union address to Congress, discussing the present state of affairs and the administration's goals for the coming year.

President Taylor recommends delaying action on the territories of California and New Mexico pending their expected application for statehood in order to avoid the creation of geographical parties and secure the harmony of feeling necessary for the beneficial action of the political system. The message attempts to finesse the violently divisive issue of slavery in the territories and future states.

North Carolina Representative Clingman's comments in the Congressional Globe on 01/22/1850 highlight the expectation that California and New Mexico would both prohibit slavery, which would threaten the balance in Congress on slavery.

During President Taylor's short presidency, the signing of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty took place. This treaty ensured that any future Central American canal would be open to both British and American ships without fortification, leading to some controversy regarding the Monroe Doctrine.

On April 22, 1850, President Taylor submitted the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty to the Senate for ratification. The treaty aimed to prevent exclusive control over any future ship canal joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in Nicaragua or Panama by either Britain or the United States. It was later perceived as ambiguous and controversial.

In May 1850, Congress debates solutions to the issue of slavery's possible expansion into the territories won in the Mexican War. Henry Clay proposes the Compromise of 1850, and Daniel Webster with Stephen Douglas lead its supporters against the measure's opponents who coalesce around John C. Calhoun of South Carolina.

On May 23, 1850, the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty was ratified following Senate Ratification on May 22, 1850. The treaty aimed to prevent exclusive control over any future ship canal joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in Nicaragua or Panama by either Britain or the United States. It was later perceived as ambiguous and controversial.

Attends 4th of July celebrations at the Washington Monument under construction near the White House. The weather is very hot.

Signs a Proclamation announcing the ratification of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty.

Zachary Taylor's health deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with cholera morbus. Despite efforts to stay hydrated, his condition continued to worsen. He spoke his last words to his wife before losing consciousness and passing away.

Dies of gastroenteritis.

Taylor’s funeral was in the White House East Room, followed by a procession to the Congressional Cemetery. His body was later relocated to Louisville, KY.

Zachary Taylor's widow passed away in 1852.

Zachary Taylor's son was elected to the Louisiana Senate in 1855.

The Index to the Zachary Taylor Papers was created in 1960 in Washington, D.C. It serves as a finding aid for the collection of papers related to Zachary Taylor.

In 1991, a significant event occurred when Zachary Taylor's body was exhumed and an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of his sudden death. The ruling out of poisoning as the cause of death shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Taylor's demise.