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Zachary Taylor Facts

Zachary Taylor Facts
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from 1849 to 1850. He was born November 24, 1784 in Orange County, Virginia to Sarah Dabney Taylor and Richard Taylor. He grew up in a cabin and later a brick house. His education was sporadic and he learned to read and write from his mother. In 1808 Zachary joined the United States Army and spent most of the next year in New Orleans, where he became ill and returned to Louisville. In 1810 Zachary married Margaret Mackall Smith. They had six Children together.
Interesting Zachary Taylor Facts:
In 1810 Zachary was promoted to captain.
Zachary managed to buy a plantation in Louisville and the Cypress Grove Plantation Jefferson County in Mississippi Territory. He acquired over 200 slaves.
During the War of 1812 Zachary defended Indiana's Fort Harrison. He was well praised for it.
Zachary accompanied Samuel Hopkins on two expeditions, into Illinois Territory and the Tippecanoe Battle site.
In 1814 Zachary led 430 men on expedition up the Mississippi River.
In 1815 Zachary was reduced to captain and he resigned from the army until a year later when he was re-commissioned as major.
In 1819 Zachary was made lieutenant colonel.
Zachary continued to serve in the military through several wars.
In 1846 Zachary became a hero during the Mexican-American War and he entered the presidential election.
Zachary Taylor became president in 1849.
On July 4th, 1850 Zachary became ill while at a fund-raising event at the Washington Monument.
On July 9th Zachary Taylor died, at the age of 65. The cause of his death is still being debated.


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