Early Life

Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was born on November 24, 1784, in Barboursville, Virginia, to a wealthy family of planters.

Old Rough and Ready

In 1808, Taylor joined the army as a first lieutenant in the Seventh Infantry Regiment. By 1809, he was commissioned as an officer, and in 1810, he became a captain. In 1811, Taylor took command of Fort Knox and restored order among the troops, earning honors for his leadership. He rose through the ranks to become a Major General. His victories in the Second Seminole War earned him the nickname "Old Rough and Ready," and his leadership during the Mexican-American War at battles like Palo Alto and Monterrey made him a national hero.

California Enters the Union

During his presidency, Taylor worked to admit California as a state and helped resolve border disputes between Texas and New Mexico. He served as president from March 1849 until his death in July 1850.

Death from Cholera

In July 1850, Taylor contracted cholera morbus, a severe digestive illness. He was initially buried in Washington, D.C., but later reinterred at his family’s plantation in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1883, a 50-foot monument was erected in his honor.

Most Famous Quote

"I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish—nothing to serve but my country."

Discussion Questions

1. What qualities earned Zachary Taylor the nickname "Old Rough and Ready"?
2. How did Taylor’s military career prepare him for the presidency?
3. Why was the admission of California to the Union significant during Taylor’s presidency?
4. How did Taylor’s early death affect the political climate of the United States?

Glossary

• Commissioned: Formally appointed to a rank in the military.
• Cholera morbus: A severe digestive illness common in the 19th century.
• Reinterred: Buried again in a different location.
• Major General: A high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army.

Five Interesting Facts

• Zachary Taylor never voted in a presidential election before becoming president.
• He earned his nickname "Old Rough and Ready" for his toughness in battle.
• Taylor opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, despite being a Southern slaveholder.
• He died only 16 months into his presidency.
• The Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, is named in his honor.

Timeline of Important Events

1. 1784: Born in Barboursville, Virginia.
2. 1808: Joined the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant.
3. 1809: Commissioned as an officer.
4. 1810: Promoted to captain.
5. 1811: Took command of Fort Knox.
6. 1837: Earned nickname “Old Rough and Ready” during the Second Seminole War.
7. 1846: Led troops in Mexican-American War at Palo Alto and Monterrey.
8. 1848: Elected President of the United States.
9. 1849: Inaugurated as the 12th U.S. President.
10. 1850: Died from cholera in July.
11. 1850: Buried in Washington, D.C.; later reburied in Kentucky.
12. 1883: Monument erected in his honor in Kentucky.