Historical1784
Zachary Taylor Born
Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was born in Barboursville, Virginia. A career military officer and hero of the Mexican-American War, Taylor took office during the escalating crisis over slavery's expansion into new territories.
Why It Matters
Taylor's brief presidency occurred at a critical juncture in the slavery debate, and his unexpected death in office led to the Compromise of 1850, illustrating how presidential succession can alter the course of legislation.