Zachary Taylor

12th President

1 term

1784-1850

Whig

Died while in office

Was a war hero before becoming President

Promised that slavery would not result in the secession of the southern states

Birthplace: Barboursville, VA

Zachary Taylor was born on November 24th, 1784 on Hare Forest Plantation, also called Montebello.  The original building does not exist, but a marker is there.

Story

On April 4, 2024, on our last stop of the trip, my dad and I went to the birthplace of Zachary Taylor. The historical marker was very difficult for us to locate, and we actually had to leave earlier and return later in the day in order to locate it. With so many Presidential birthplaces demolished and only recognized by historical markers, we saw our fair share of them on this trip! As soon as we finished, we headed on home, exhausted but energized by our successful trip!

Me by the birthplace marker

Dad by the birthplace marker

Boyhood Home: Louisville, KY

This home is where President Taylor and his family lived from 1785-1808.  The original building, made of wood, was moved to the back of the plantation sometime from 1785-1790, and used as a shelter for their slaves.  This was also the original burial site of Zachary Taylor.  It is named "Springfield".

Grave: Louisville, KY

Zachary Taylor was interred here in 1850, after his death.  His former gravesite is also here, as is a monolith honoring him.

Former Burial Site: Washington, D.C.

In 1850, after his untimely death, he was placed in a Public Receiving Vault here.