The President Who Died From Fruit and Milk

Zachary Taylor just wanted to enjoy an Independence Day barbecue

Portrait of President Taylor, 1850 (Library of Congress)

July 4th, 1850 was a hot and humid day but not one that was dissimilar to any other summer day that had come before it. Many people from Washington had gathered on the green grass in the shadow of the White House to celebrate Independence Day. It was the 74th anniversary of the…