Zachary Taylor (November 24, 1784 – July 9, 1850) was an American military leader who served as the 12th president of the United States from 1849 until his death in 1850. Taylor previously was a career officer in the United States Army, rising to the rank of major general and becoming a national hero as a result of his victories in the Mexican–American War. As a result, he won election to the White House despite his vague political beliefs. His top priority as president was preserving the Union. He died 16 months into his term, having made no progress on the most divisive issue in Congress, slavery.

Taylor was born into a prominent family of plantation owners who moved westward from Virginia to Louisville, Kentucky, in his youth; he was the last president born before the adoption of the Constitution. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army in 1808 and made a name for himself as a captain in the War of 1812. He climbed the ranks of the military, establishing military forts along the Mississippi River and entering the Black Hawk War as a colonel in 1832. His success in the Second Seminole War attracted national attention and earned him the nickname "Old Rough and Ready".


Wreath laid at Zachary Taylor tomb on his birthday in November 2022. 

Zachary Taylor wreath laid at his tomb on his birthday in November 2022. 

Photograph of Zachary Taylor in his major general uniform. 

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery

Soldiers from Fort Knox paid tribute to President Zachary Taylor by placing a wreath at his mausoleum located at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor's birthday was 238 years ago  -- Nov. 24, 1784. Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was a famous general in the Mexican-American War before being elected president. He served from March 1849 - July, 1850, dying while in office.

Every year, a General or Flag Officer places a wreath that is provided by the White House at the current gravesite or mausoleum of each deceased former U.S. President on the anniversary of their respective births.

ZACHARY TAYLOR

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