Zachary Taylor 1849 - 1850

Born: 1784, Montebello, VA
Died: 1850

Popularly known as "Old Rough and Ready," General Zachary Taylor was long admired as a leader of fighting men. Courageous and principled, he distinguished himself in the Indian campaigns and against the British in the War of 1812. Key victories during the Mexican War made him a national hero and brought him to the attention of the Whig Party. Though a slave-owning southerner, Taylor was also a strong nationalist. He won a close victory over the Democrats, whose votes were siphoned off by a third candidate, Free-Soiler Martin Van Buren.

Tensions between North and South were mounting when President Taylor took office. The addition of new territories such as California and New Mexico caused the unraveling of the Missouri Compromise. When Taylor opposed extending slavery of these territories, southern states threatened secession. The President's response was swift -- he threatened war, saying he'd lead the Army himself and hang the rebels. But Taylor's sudden death turned the crisis over to his Vice-President, Millard Fillmore, whose feeble attempt at yet another compromise only delayed the inevitable bloody conflict.

Twelfth President
Whig