Career & Net Worth Of Zachary Taylor

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Career & Net Worth Of Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor served as the 12th President of the United States from 1849 until his death on July 9, 1850.

A distinguished military officer and politician, Taylor achieved the rank of major general and gained national fame for his triumphs in the Mexican-American War.

He holds the distinction of being the last President born before the U.S. Constitution was adopted.

Commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army in 1808, Taylor earned recognition for his service during the War of 1812.

Early Life And Education

Zachary Taylor was born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia, to parents Richard Taylor and Sarah Dabney Taylor. He was the third of nine children, with five brothers and three sisters. Taylor’s formal education was inconsistent, as the education system in Kentucky was still developing during his childhood.

Although one of his schoolmasters noted that Taylor was a quick learner, his early letters reveal a poor understanding of spelling and grammar. His handwriting was later described as “that of a near illiterate.” Taylor was of English descent, and his religious beliefs remain unknown.

Career

Zachary Taylor began his military career in 1808 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 7th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army. Over the years, he gradually advanced through the ranks, participating in several essential conflicts.

His service in the War of 1812 showcased his leadership skills, and he continued to prove himself during the Black Hawk War of 1832 and the Second Seminole War in Florida in 1835.

His leadership in the Seminole War earned him a promotion to brigadier general, and by 1846, he had achieved the rank of major general.

1845, President James K. Polk assigned Taylor to lead U.S. forces in Texas. The mission was part of a strategy to provoke Mexico into attacking American troops, justifying war.

Taylor moved his forces to the Rio Grande, and in May 1846, Mexican troops attacked, triggering the Mexican-American War. Taylor’s command in key battles, such as Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista, cemented his reputation as a skilled military strategist.

Despite being outnumbered at Buena Vista, Taylor’s use of artillery and decisive tactics forced the Mexican forces to retreat, earning him national recognition as a hero. Taylor’s military successes propelled him into the political spotlight, and he ran for President as a Whig candidate in 1848.

He defeated Lewis Cass in the presidential election and assumed office. However, his time in the White House was brief, as he fell ill and passed away on July 9, 1850, just 16 months into his presidency, leaving behind a legacy of military excellence and national pride.

Personal Life

Zachary Taylor married Margaret Mackall Smith, known as “Peggy,” in June 1810. Margaret hailed from a well-established and affluent Maryland planter family and formed a strong partnership.

Throughout their marriage, they had six children: Ann Mackall Taylor, Sarah Knox “Knoxie” Taylor, Octavia Pannell Taylor, Margaret Smith Taylor, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Taylor, and Richard Taylor.

Their family life was centered around the values of their Southern plantation upbringing. While Taylor’s military career took him away from home on many occasions, his family remained integral to his personal and professional life.

Net Worth

Zachary Taylor’s estimated net Worth was approximately $6 million at his death in 1850. Much of his wealth came from inherited land, and he also made strategic purchases of properties along the Mississippi River, including land in Louisiana and Mississippi. These investments proved to be financially successful, contributing significantly to his fortune.