Today in History: Zachary Taylor

For president of the people, Zachary Taylor
Today in History–May 8–the Library of Congress features Zachary Taylor, who led U.S. troops to defeat the Mexican army in a two-day battle at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma on this day in 1846. Two years later he became president of the United States but his term was short; he died in office after serving only 16 months. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this general and 12th U.S. president.

Illustrated timeline of Zachary Taylor’s life

Zachary Taylor 1849 inauguration items

Zachary Taylor’s first annual message to Congress

Zachary Taylor Papers collection

Zachary Taylor broadsides & other printed ephemera

Zachary Taylor books & articles

Zachary Taylor historical newspaper coverage through 1851

President Taylor historical newspaper coverage 1849-1850

Zachary Taylor sheet music

Zachary Taylor image set

Selected 19th-century magazine articles

Stories from America’s Library

More resources