Zachary Taylor was born on November 24, 1784, in Barboursville, Virginia. He was a career military officer who became a national hero for his leadership in the Mexican-American War. Taylor was elected as the 12th president of the United States and served from March 1849 until his death in July 1850. His presidency focused on preserving the Union amid growing sectional tensions over slavery. Known as “Old Rough and Ready” for his battlefield toughness, Taylor died suddenly in office on July 9, 1850.