Who was the last Whig President in the United States?

Millard Filmore was the last Whig President. The Whig Party was formed in 1833 and was a cornerstone of the two party system until the mid 1850's. It was formed as a bulwark against the policies of Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party. Built upon the Federalist tradition, the Whig Party was composed of the remains of the National Republican and the Anti-Masonic Parties.

The name was a jibe against Andrew Jackson, who was vilified as a President who wielded power in an abusive manner. The name, Whig, was a reference to those patriots who opposed George III in 1776.

There were four Whig Presidents. William Henry Harrison was elected in 1840. Harrison died a month after assuming office. his Vice President, John Tyler, succeeded him until 1845. Zachary Taylor, a Mexican War hero, was elected in 1848. He, too, dies in office, his successor was Millard Fillmore.

The Whig Party was itself divided over the issue that was to tear the nation apart, slavery. Fillmore, a Northerner, felt obligated to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act, a controversial part of the Compromise of 1850. This required runaway slaves to be returned South. Already unpopular within his own party, Fillmore was unable to secure the nomination in 1852. The Whig Party nominated Winfield Scott, another Mexican War veteran for President. The Party didn't last much longer and fell apart. Most Northern Whigs joined the new Republican Party, including Abraham Lincoln.