Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from 1849 to 1850. Before his presidency, he was a career military officer known for his leadership in the Mexican-American War, which expanded U.S. territory. He was a Southern-born Southerner who owned slaves but was seen as a national hero because of his military victories. Taylor was not a career politician; he became president unexpectedly after winning the election. His time in office was short, and he died after about a year in office. His presidency helped shape the nation during a period of territorial growth and tension over slavery.