Millard Fillmore, born in 1800 in New York, was thrust into the presidency after the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor in 1850. Fillmore served as the Vice President under Taylor and took the oath of office on July 10, 1850, becoming the 13th President of the United States.
During his presidency, Fillmore faced many challenges, including the debate over slavery and the Compromise of 1850. Fillmore signed the Compromise, which included the Fugitive Slave Act, into law in an attempt to preserve the Union.
Despite his efforts, Fillmore's presidency was marred by controversy, and he was not nominated for a second term. In 1853, he left office and later ran for president again in 1856 as the candidate of the American Party, also known as the "Know-Nothings."