Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1848'

(Tuesday, November 7, 1848, during the United States presidential election, 1848) — Whig Major General Zachary Taylor of Louisiana was elected President of the United States today, defeating former Democratic U.S. Senator Lewis Cass of Michigan.

Taylor and his running mate, New York State Comptroller Millard Fillmore, defeated Cass and his running mate, former U.S. Rep. William O. Butler of Kentucky, 47.28-42.49% in the national popular vote, resulting in a 163-127 vote victory in the Electoral College.

Former President Martin Van Buren finished third as the nominee of the Free Soil Party, which opposed the extension of slavery into the territories, winning 10.12% of the popular vote (but no electoral votes).

Van Buren’s running mate was Charles Francis Adams, Sr. of Massachusetts, a son of President John Quincy Adams and grandson of President John Adams.

Incumbent President James K. Polk, a Democrat, had honored his promise not to seek re-election, leaving his party’s nomination open.

Taylor and Fillmore would be sworn in for four-year terms on March 5, 1849.