Millard Fillmore

Life & History

Early Life: Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800, in a log cabin in Cayuga County, New York. He grew up in poverty and had very little formal education as a child. Fillmore worked as an apprentice to a cloth maker before teaching himself to read and study law. He eventually became a lawyer through hard work and determination. His early struggles shaped his belief in education and self-improvement.

Political Career: Fillmore began his political career in New York and became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a member of the Whig Party and supported economic development and a strong federal government. Fillmore later became Vice President under Zachary Taylor in 1849. He was known as a moderate who tried to balance Northern and Southern interests. His experience in government prepared him for the presidency.

Presidency (1850–1853): Fillmore became the 13th President after the death of Zachary Taylor. He is best known for supporting the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to ease tensions between free and slave states. One part of this compromise was the Fugitive Slave Act, which was highly controversial. Fillmore believed the compromise would preserve the Union, though it angered many in the North. His presidency took place during a growing national divide over slavery.

Later Life: After leaving office, Fillmore remained active in public life and even ran for president again in 1856 as a member of the Know-Nothing Party. He spent much of his later life in Buffalo, New York. Fillmore was involved in civic and educational projects, including helping to found the University at Buffalo. He died on March 8, 1874. He is often remembered as a president who tried to maintain peace during a difficult time.

Learn the State: New York

Millard Fillmore was born in New York. Can you guess the capital?

Huebi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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