Which president was buried 17 times? The Astonishing Case of Zachary Taylor

You might be scratching your head wondering how a president could possibly be buried 17 times. It sounds like a bizarre tale, almost a plot from a mystery novel. But the truth behind this unusual question points to a single, often overlooked figure in American history: Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States.

The story of Zachary Taylor's multiple "burials" isn't about him being exhumed and reburied for nefarious reasons or as a political statement. Instead, it's a fascinating and somewhat tragic account stemming from a combination of his unexpected death in office and the prevailing scientific understanding (or lack thereof) of his time.

The President Who Died in Office

Zachary Taylor served as President for a little over a year, from March 4, 1849, until his death on July 9, 1850. His presidency was cut short by what was believed to be a sudden illness, likely gastroenteritis, contracted after attending a July 4th celebration. He consumed large amounts of iced water, milk, and cherries, which, combined with the hot weather, may have triggered his fatal condition. His death was a shock to the nation, and the circumstances surrounding it, coupled with the medical practices of the era, led to the extraordinary sequence of events.

The Initial Burial and the Growing Doubt

Following his death, President Taylor was initially interred in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C. However, after a short period, his remains were transported back to his home state of Kentucky for a more permanent burial. This second burial took place at the family plot in the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

The seeds of doubt about the cause of his death began to sprout years later. In the mid-20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in Taylor's presidency and the circumstances of his demise. Some historians and researchers began to suspect that Taylor might have been murdered. The theory gained traction due to the prevalent political tensions of the time, particularly concerning the issue of slavery and the Compromise of 1850. Some believed that his death, which conveniently removed a potential obstacle to certain political agendas, was not a natural occurrence.

The Exhumation and the Scientific Investigation

In an effort to put these rumors to rest and to definitively determine the cause of President Taylor's death, an exhumation was authorized in 1908. This marked the first time his body was disturbed after the initial burial and transportation.

On June 14, 1908, Zachary Taylor's coffin was opened. Forensic pathologists and doctors examined his remains. Samples were taken for analysis. The findings from this examination were presented, and while they didn't conclusively prove or disprove assassination, they did offer some insights into the state of his body. This exhumation and subsequent examination could be considered a "burial" in the sense of his remains being handled and then re-interred.

However, the story doesn't end there. The desire for more definitive answers persisted. Decades later, in 1945, another exhumation was performed. This was motivated by the continued speculation and the desire to use more advanced scientific techniques to analyze the samples obtained from the 1908 exhumation, as well as to conduct new tests.

During this 1945 exhumation, the coffin was again opened, and further examinations were conducted. This event, like the previous one, involved disturbing and then re-interring the remains. The scientists involved analyzed the body and the surrounding burial environment, looking for any trace evidence that could point to poisoning or other unnatural causes of death.

The "17 Burials" Explained

So, where does the number 17 come from? It's not a literal, distinct burial ceremony each time. Instead, the number is a more generalized and possibly exaggerated representation of the multiple times Taylor's remains were moved and handled due to these investigations and reburials.

Let's break down the likely sequence that leads to this number, although it's important to note that precise documentation for every single movement might not be readily available, and the "17" likely includes various stages of the process:

Initial death and preparation for burial.
The first formal burial in Washington D.C.
Exhumation in D.C. for transport to Kentucky.
Transportation to Kentucky.
The second formal burial in Kentucky.
Exhumation in 1908 for scientific investigation.
Re-interment after the 1908 investigation.
Exhumation in 1945 for further scientific investigation.
Re-interment after the 1945 investigation.

Beyond these major events, the "17" might also encompass:

Smaller, less formal movements of the coffin or remains during transportation.
Temporary placements of the coffin during the exhumation processes.
The process of preparing the body for each burial or exhumation.
The transfer between different resting places within the cemetery grounds if any adjustments were made over time.

It's important to understand that this number is not a testament to disrespect or a series of formal, separate state funerals. It is a reflection of a president whose death, shrouded in mystery and fueled by later scientific curiosity, led to his remains being disturbed and moved on multiple occasions.

The Conclusion of the Investigations

Despite the extensive investigations in 1908 and 1945, the scientific consensus ultimately concluded that Zachary Taylor likely died of natural causes, specifically a severe case of cholera morbus or gastroenteritis. The theories of assassination or poisoning, while persistent, were not supported by the evidence found in his remains.

The legacy of Zachary Taylor is thus intertwined with this peculiar chapter in presidential history. While he may not be as widely remembered as some of his predecessors or successors, the story of his multiple "burials" serves as a compelling illustration of how scientific advancements, historical intrigue, and the desire for truth can lead to extraordinary circumstances.

The last time Zachary Taylor was laid to rest was after the 1945 exhumation. His tomb at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery stands as a monument to a man whose life and death continue to spark curiosity, even if the notion of 17 burials is more symbolic than literal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why was Zachary Taylor exhumed multiple times?

Zachary Taylor was exhumed multiple times primarily due to persistent historical speculation that he may have been assassinated. Researchers and historians wanted to use scientific methods to determine the actual cause of his death, which occurred suddenly in office.

What was the result of the exhumations and investigations?

The scientific investigations conducted during the exhumations in 1908 and 1945 did not find conclusive evidence of poisoning or assassination. The prevailing scientific consensus is that President Zachary Taylor died of natural causes, likely a severe case of gastroenteritis or cholera morbus.

How did the number 17 become associated with his burials?

The number 17 is likely an exaggeration or a symbolic representation of the many times President Taylor's remains were moved, handled, and re-interred. This includes his initial burial, transportation, the two major exhumations for scientific investigation, and all the associated preparations and reburials, rather than 17 distinct, formal state funerals or burials.

Where is Zachary Taylor buried now?

President Zachary Taylor is buried at the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. This has been his final resting place since the re-interment following the 1945 exhumation.