1875 5¢ Taylor - U.S. #179

U.S. #179
1875 5¢ Taylor

Earliest Known Use: July 10, 1875
Quantity issued: 15,290,000 (estimate)
Printed by: Continental Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Blue

U.S. #179 features Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, affectionately nicknamed “Old Rough and Ready” for his distinguished military career.

Issued to meet the postal rate for mailing to foreign countries in the Universal Postal Union, this 5¢ denomination was introduced on July 1, 1875. Its issuance rendered the 7¢, 12¢, and 24¢ stamps obsolete, fulfilling the need for a new 5¢ issue.

Frequently utilized to pay postage on letters destined for Europe, this stamp is occasionally found in European collections.

Taylor Wins the Battle of Palo Alto

On May 8, 1846, future President Zachary Taylor led U.S. forces to their inaugural major victory of the Mexican-American War at the Battle of Palo Alto.

After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, it sought annexation by the United States, delayed due to the Van Buren administration’s reluctance to risk conflict with Mexico.

Upon assuming office in 1845, President James Polk prioritized Texas annexation, a stance pivotal to his electoral success. Despite Texas joining the union, discord persisted over the southern border's location. While Mexico claimed it was the Nueces River, Polk insisted it lay at the Rio Grande. He instructed Taylor to establish a camp at the Rio Grande to defend this claim.

Taylor marshaled 4,000 volunteers and erected a military base. Subsequently, Polk ordered Taylor to cross into undisputed Mexican territory, a move that prompted Mexican opposition.

The Battle of Palo Alto ensued on May 8, 1846, as Mexican troops assailed Fort Texas. Taylor, securing supplies at Port Isabel, rallied his men to fortify the defense. Employing the “Flying Artillery” tactic, Taylor's forces overwhelmed the enemy, compelling their retreat.

The Mexican army, commanded by General Arista, regrouped at Resaca de la Palma. Taylor’s outnumbered troops confronted them on May 9, employing superior strategy to force another retreat, further solidifying Taylor’s military prowess.

Taylor's legacy extended beyond his military achievements; a young Ulysses S. Grant, later a renowned general and president, served as quartermaster during these battles, gaining his first combat experience at Palo Alto and leading a cavalry charge at Resaca de la Palma.

(Photo is of Actual Product)