Taylor, Zachary (Entry in The American Cyclopaedia)

What it is

This is an encyclopedia entry titled Taylor, Zachary, written by Robert Carter for The American Cyclopaedia and published in 1879. It describes Taylor as the twelfth president of the United States, born in Orange County, Virginia, in 1784 and dying in Washington in 1850. The opening recounts his family and early army career, including his command of Fort Harrison during the War of 1812.

Why it matters

Encyclopedia articles like this one were a major way that readers in the late nineteenth century learned about public figures. The entry is a later summary written after Taylor's death, so it reflects the views of its time rather than his own. It also names figures such as President Madison, who gave Taylor a promotion after his defense of the fort.

Look closer

• Which events does the author choose to highlight, and why might those be emphasized?
• How does the author's distance in time from Taylor affect the way the story is told?
• What does the entry leave out about Taylor's later life and presidency?