How did Zachary Taylor die?

The exact cause of Zachary Taylor's death is still unknown. On the Fourth of July he had attended the dedication of the Washington Monument grounds. The day was exceedingly hot, and Taylor walked along the Potomac before returning to the White House. At the dedication, Taylor reportedly consumed a large quantity of iced milk and cherries. Upon returning to the White House he also consumed a large quantity of water. Some believe that the iced milk and cherries combined and caused a case of gastroenteritis that was ultimately fatal. Some sources have also suggested food poisoning and typhoid as causes of Taylor's death. Taylor's physicians concluded that his death was a case of cholera, which was a common illness in cities at the time.