Zachary Taylor: A Chronology of His Life and Career

Zachary Taylor served his country for 40 years as a soldier and for 16 months as President. His courage and ability during the Mexican War made him a national hero. He showed the same courage as President, but died before he could prove his full abilities as a statesman.


November 24, 1784	Born near Barboursville, Virginia.
1808	Appointed First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
June 21, 1810	Married Margaret Mackall Smith.
1812	Defended Fort Harrison against Tecumseh.
1832	Received surrender of Black Hawk.
1837	Defeated the Seminole Indians at Lake Okeechobee.
1841	Became Commander of the Second Department of the Western Division of the U.S. Army.
1846	Defeated Mexican forces at Palo Alta and Resaca de la Palma, and captured Matamoros and Monterrey.
1847	Defeated Santa Anna in the Battle of Buena Vista.
1848	Elected President of the United States.
July 9, 1850	Died in the White House.

Mexican War
Tecumseh
Santa Anna

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THE ROBINSON LIBRARY --> American History. --> United States: General History and Description. --> Revolution to the Civil War, 1775/1783-1861. --> Middle 19th Century, 1845/48-1861. --> Zachary Taylor's Administration, 1849-1850.

This page was last updated on 11/03/2011.