Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, was so indifferent to politics

that he never voted until his own election in 1848.

A career military man, old rough and ready as he was affectionately known, was weathered,

stocky, and bow-legged in appearance.

He was obstinate, easily insulted, and quick-tompered in character.

These are not traits that usually make for a successful politician.

But then again, he never wanted to be a politician until he did.

The son of a revolutionary war veteran, Zachary Taylor was born in Orange County, Virginia

on November 24, 1784.

Inspired by his father's military exploits, Taylor joined the army in 1808.

He spent the bulk of the next 40 years protecting the frontier against hostile Indians.

Steadily rising from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier General, he fought in the war

of 1812, the Black Hawk War of 1832, and the Second Seminal War in 1837.

The Mexican-American War in 1846 was a turning point in Taylor's life.

In a matter of months, he went from a respected but obscure soldier to a national hero.

Here's how it happened.

In January of 1846, President James Polk sent Taylor into the disputed border territory

of Texas and Mexico.

The idea was that the presence of American troops would pressure the Mexican government

into accepting Polk's offer to buy California.

But Mexico wasn't interested.

So Polk was stuck.

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