Major General Zachary Taylor, engraving, Library of Congress

Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from March 1849 until his death in July 1850. Before his presidency, Taylor was a career officer in the United States Army, rising to the rank of major general. Zachary Taylor was a national hero in the United States Army from the time of the Mexican-American War and the War of 1812. "I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me."