Years in Office: 1849 to 1850

Zachary Taylor was a professional soldier. He gained fame and became a national hero during the Mexican war. He was much loved and respected by his soldiers who gave him his nickname "Old Rough and Ready". While Taylor was president arguments over slavery reached a new high.

California applied for statehood as a "Free" state. Taylor argued that California be admitted to the union and expressed hope that New Mexico territory be admitted.

Before slavery could be settled, Taylor became sick and died. He had gone to lay the cornerstone at Washington Monument on July 4, 1850. It was a very hot day and the ceremonies lasted for hours. Soon after coming back to the White House, the President came down with a fever and died 5 days later.

Taylor was the last Whig President. While he was President, the Department of the Interior was created, the overland mail service (Pony Express) begun, and the California gold rush began.