Zachary Taylor was our 12th President and from the looks of him (left) he was a pretty tough customer. He had various nicknames—“Old Rough and Ready” and “Old Buena Vista” since he was the hero of the Battle of Buena Vista in the Mexican-American War. It was at this battle that he wisecracked to his men “Trust in God and keep your powder dry” (although apparently Oliver Cromwell had said it first).
Taylor was pretty upset when President James K. Polk sent Gen. Winfield Scott to capture Mexico City instead of him. He said “the battle of Buena Vista opened the road to the city of Mexico and the halls of Montezuma, that others might revel in them.” (in case you were wondering where the phrase in The Marines’ Hymn came from).
When running for President his campaign slogan was “a President for the People”.
He was born in Orange County, Virginia, on September 24, 1784.
