The presidential election of 1848 was won by Zachary Taylor of the Whig Party, who ran against former President Martin Van Buren. The incumbent President, James K. Polk, achieved his major objectives in one term and suffering from declining health chose to not seek re-election. This was the first presidential election to take place on the same day in every state.
Taylor was a general and hero of the Mexican American War. He commanded American forces at the Battle of Palo Alto and a nearby Battle of Resaca de la Palma, defeating the Mexican forces, who greatly outnumbered his own.
Despite treatment for an intestinal problem, Taylor's term as President was cut short by his death, at 65 years old, on July 9, 1850. His term was finished by our 13th President - Millard Fillmore.
Medal promoting Taylor for the 1848 election
The legend on the obverse: "Hero of Palo Alto, Resaca de La Palma, Monterey, and Buena vista, 1847" and "Major General Zachary Taylor".
