http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor See pictures from the life and presidency of Zachary Taylor. en Copyright 2013, History.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-06-19T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo1 In 1784 Zachary Taylor was born in Barboursville, Virginia. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo2 He grew up on his parents' plantation in Kentucky and at age 23 left home to become a soldier in the U.S. Army. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo3 Taylor served in the War of 1812, the Blackhawk War (1832) and second Seminole War (1835-1837). http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo4 In February 23, 1847 Taylor led the Battle of Buena-Vista. The American Army under Taylor were victorious. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo5 September 24,1846 Taylor fought at Monterey, leading to the surrender of General Ampudia. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo6 In the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Taylor gained popularity for his heroism and for the camaraderie he shared with even his lowliest subordinates. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo7 When the war ended, Taylor decided to run for the presidency. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo8 He narrowly won a race that included former President Martin Van Buren and Democratic nominee Lewis Cass. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo9 His subsequent administration is best known for his failure to address the divisive issue of slavery. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo10 Taylor was adamantly opposed slavery and vowed to personally lead a military attack against any state that threatened to secede from the Union. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo11 On a scorching Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., Taylor took a large quantity of iced milk and cherries, got sick, and passed away. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo11 http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo12 Taylor was succeeded by his vice president, Millard Fillmore, who went on to serve until 1853. Taylor left behind his beloved wife Peggy, two daughters and a son. http://www.history.com/photos/zachary-taylor/photo12