Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, served during a critical period in American history marked by deep divisions over slavery and sectional conflicts.
Born into humble beginnings, Fillmore’s journey from a rural upbringing to the presidency is a testament to his persistence and dedication to public service.
His political career spanned several decades, during which he played a key role in major national issues, including the Compromise of 1850 and early diplomatic ventures.
However, his legacy remains controversial due to his support of the Fugitive Slave Act and his later association with the nativist Know-Nothing Party.
This timeline highlights the major milestones of Fillmore’s life, illustrating the impact he had on the nation both during and after his presidency.
1800 (January 7) | Millard Fillmore is born in a log cabin in Cayuga County, New York. He is the second of eight children born to Nathaniel Fillmore, a poor tenant farmer, and Phoebe Millard. |
1814 | At 14 years old, he begins working as an apprentice in a cloth-making business. |
1819 | Enrolls at the New Hope Academy in New York, where he receives a basic education. |
1821 | Becomes a law clerk in the office of Judge Walter Wood and starts studying law informally. |
1823 | Moves to East Aurora, New York, and opens a small law office. |
1826 (February 5) | Marries Abigail Powers, a schoolteacher who encourages his intellectual pursuits. |
1828 | Elected to the New York State Assembly as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. |
1832 | Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Anti-Masonic Party but later aligns with the Whig Party. |
1836 | Wins re-election to the House, continuing his legislative focus on finance, tariffs, and domestic development. |
1842 | Declines to run for another term and returns to private law practice in Buffalo. |
1847 | Elected New York State Comptroller, managing the state’s financial policies and improving its financial stability. |
1848 | Nominated as the Whig Party’s vice-presidential candidate to run alongside Zachary Taylor. |
1849 (March 4) | Inaugurated as Vice President of the United States under President Zachary Taylor. |
1850 (July 9) | President Taylor dies suddenly of illness, and Fillmore is sworn in as the 13th President of the United States. |
1850 (September 18) | Signs the Compromise of 1850 into law, addressing the issue of slavery and sectional tensions. |
1851 | Sends naval expeditions to Japan under Commodore Matthew Perry, eventually leading to the opening of Japan to American trade. |
1852 | Fillmore enforces neutrality during foreign conflicts, including British and French involvement in the Cuban independence movement. |
1852 | Fails to secure the Whig Party nomination for re-election; General Winfield Scott is nominated instead. |
1853 | Retires from the presidency and returns to Buffalo. |
1854 | Becomes increasingly alienated from the Whig Party as it collapses amid internal divisions over slavery. |
1856 | Runs for president as the candidate of the Know-Nothing Party (officially the American Party) but performs poorly, winning only the state of Maryland. |
1858 | Tours Europe, meeting with prominent figures, including Queen Victoria and Pope Pius IX. |
1860 | Opposes Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, viewing him as too radical on the issue of slavery and sectional division. |
1861-1865 | During the Civil War, Fillmore criticizes Lincoln’s handling of the war and supports a more conciliatory approach to the South. |
1865 (March) | Abigail Powers Fillmore dies of pneumonia. |
1858-1866 | Serves as the first chancellor of the University of Buffalo, a school he helped found. |
1866 | Marries Caroline McIntosh, a wealthy widow. |
1870 | Begins to withdraw from public life due to declining health. |
1874 (March 8) | Millard Fillmore dies of a stroke at the age of 74 in Buffalo, New York, and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery. |
Timeline of Millard Fillmore
1800 (January 7)
Millard Fillmore is born in a log cabin in Cayuga County, New York. He is the second of eight children born to Nathaniel Fillmore, a poor tenant farmer, and Phoebe Millard. His humble beginnings in rural New York would shape his values of hard work and determination.

1814
At 14 years old, Millard Fillmore begins working as an apprentice in a cloth-making business. This early experience of manual labor and economic struggle gives him firsthand knowledge of the difficulties faced by working-class Americans.
Also Read: Millard Fillmore Accomplishments
1819
Fillmore enrolls at the New Hope Academy in New York, where he receives a basic education. Though formal schooling is limited, he is encouraged to study and improve himself, which later helps him in his legal career.
1821
He becomes a law clerk in the office of Judge Walter Wood and starts studying law informally. This is a key turning point, as it opens the door to a legal and political career that will eventually lead him to national prominence.
1823
Millard Fillmore moves to East Aurora, New York, and opens a small law office. Though his practice starts modestly, he gains a reputation for honesty and hard work, attracting clients and recognition within the community.
Also Read: Millard Fillmore Facts
1826 (February 5)
Fillmore marries Abigail Powers, a schoolteacher who plays a significant role in his personal and intellectual development. Abigail encourages his studies and supports his aspirations, becoming an important influence throughout his life.
1828
He is elected to the New York State Assembly as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. This marks the beginning of his political career, and he aligns with the growing movement that opposes secret societies like the Freemasons, which many believe pose a threat to democratic values.

1832
Fillmore is elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Anti-Masonic Party, though he later switches to the Whig Party. His transition to the Whigs reflects his evolving views on national issues, including tariffs and internal improvements.
1836
He wins re-election to the House of Representatives, where he focuses on financial matters, protective tariffs, and national infrastructure projects. His work during this period earns him recognition as a capable and pragmatic legislator.
1842
Fillmore decides not to seek re-election and returns to his private law practice in Buffalo. He takes this time to focus on his legal career and local affairs, but he remains an influential figure within the Whig Party.
1847
He is elected New York State Comptroller, where he oversees the state’s finances and introduces key reforms. His success in stabilizing New York’s financial policies enhances his reputation and solidifies his status as a national figure.
1848
Millard Fillmore is chosen as the Whig Party’s vice-presidential candidate, running alongside Zachary Taylor. The Whigs hope that Fillmore’s appeal in the North will balance Taylor’s Southern base and secure electoral success.

1849 (March 4)
He is inaugurated as Vice President of the United States under President Zachary Taylor. Although the role of vice president is largely ceremonial at the time, Fillmore remains involved in key legislative discussions, especially regarding the growing divide over slavery.
1850 (July 9)
President Zachary Taylor dies suddenly of illness, and Millard Fillmore is sworn in as the 13th President of the United States. His presidency begins during a time of intense national debate over the expansion of slavery and sectional tensions.
1850 (September 18)
Fillmore signs the Compromise of 1850 into law. The compromise includes admitting California as a free state, abolishing the slave trade in Washington, D.C., and strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act. While the compromise temporarily eases tensions, it also deepens divisions between the North and South.
1851
He sends naval expeditions to Japan under Commodore Matthew Perry, marking the beginning of efforts to open Japan to American trade and diplomacy. This initiative eventually leads to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, expanding U.S. influence in Asia.
1852
Fillmore enforces U.S. neutrality during foreign conflicts, including British and French involvement in the Cuban independence movement. His administration focuses on maintaining peace and avoiding entanglements in international conflicts.
1852
He fails to secure the Whig Party’s nomination for re-election as president. The party instead nominates General Winfield Scott, reflecting divisions within the party over slavery and sectional issues.
1853
Fillmore retires from the presidency and returns to Buffalo, where he resumes his law practice and engages in civic activities. Though out of office, he remains politically active and critical of developments under his successors.

1854
As the Whig Party collapses over internal disagreements about slavery, Fillmore distances himself from the emerging Republican Party. He is uncomfortable with its strong anti-slavery stance and instead seeks a more moderate approach.
1856
He runs for president as the candidate of the Know-Nothing Party (officially the American Party), which advocates for anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic policies. His campaign is unsuccessful, as he wins only the state of Maryland in the electoral college.
1858
Fillmore embarks on a European tour, where he meets with notable figures, including Queen Victoria and Pope Pius IX. The trip reflects his continuing interest in diplomacy and international affairs.
1860
Fillmore opposes Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, believing Lincoln’s policies on slavery and secession to be too radical. He supports a more conciliatory approach to preserve the Union.
1861-1865
During the Civil War, Fillmore criticizes Lincoln’s handling of the conflict. He advocates for compromises that he believes could restore peace, though his views align with more conservative, Unionist factions.
1865 (March)
Abigail Powers Fillmore dies of pneumonia, marking a significant personal loss for Fillmore. Her death leaves him emotionally devastated, though he continues his involvement in public affairs.

1858-1866
Fillmore serves as the first chancellor of the University of Buffalo, an institution he helped establish. His leadership contributes to its growth and development, solidifying his legacy in education.
1866
He marries Caroline McIntosh, a wealthy widow, marking a new chapter in his personal life. Though this marriage provides financial security, it is not as influential or emotionally supportive as his first.
1870
Fillmore begins to withdraw from public life due to declining health. He focuses on local charitable work and remains a respected elder statesman in Buffalo.
1874 (March 8)
Millard Fillmore dies of a stroke at the age of 74 in Buffalo, New York. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy marked by both accomplishments and controversies, particularly over his role in the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act.