In 1808, Zachary Taylor joined the United States Army as a first lieutenant. Secretary of State, soon to be President, James Madison secured Taylor his commission. Two years later, Taylor received a promotion to captain. read more
During the War of 1812, Taylor successfully defended Fort Harrison in Indiana Territory, from an attack by Indians under the command of Shawnee chief Tecumseh. As a result, Taylor was promoted to the temporary rank of major, and led the 7th Infantry in a campaign ending in the Battle of Wild Cat Creek. read more
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) served in the army for some four decades, commanding troops in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War (1832) and the second of the Seminole Wars (1835-1842). He became a full-fledged war hero through his service in the Mexican War, which broke out in 1846 after the U.S. annexation of Texas. read more
Born on November 24, 1784, Zachary Taylor was one of nine children born to Richard and Sarah Taylor. A veteran of the American Revolution, Richard Taylor had served with General George Washington at White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. read more
Major General Zachary Taylor earned famed as a commander during the Mexican-American War and was elected president in 1848.. Major General Zachary Taylor earned famed as a commander during the Mexican-American War and was elected president in 1848.. read more