Title: Oil Portrait of Zachary Taylor

Description: This portrait shows Zachary Taylor in his full military dress. General Taylor’s nickname was “old rough and ready”. He is holding a sword to emphasize his military career and his heroics in the Mexican War. From the beginning of his brief presidency, disputes arose over whether to admit California to the Union as a free state. It was clear that tensions leading to civil war were beginning to surface. The president brought his horse, “Old Whitey” to Washington, and the horse became instantly popular with tourists. President Taylor became sick after July 4th celebrations in 1850 and died five days later.

Date: 1849

Creator: Joseph H. Bush

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)