Benjamin Harrison Timeline

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, played a pivotal role during a transformative period in American history.

Born into a distinguished family with a legacy of public service, Harrison carried forward the traditions of leadership and civic duty. His presidency, from 1889 to 1893, witnessed significant achievements, including economic reforms, territorial expansion, and conservation efforts.

Known for his commitment to veterans, protective tariffs, and modernization of the U.S. Navy, Harrison’s administration left a lasting impact on the nation. This timeline explores the key events in his life, from his early years in Ohio to his legal career, military service, presidency, and lasting legacy.

YearEventDescription
1833 (August 20)BirthBenjamin Harrison is born in North Bend, Ohio, into the prominent Harrison family.
1852GraduationGraduates from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a law degree.
1853MarriageMarries Caroline Lavinia Scott. They have two children: Russell and Mary.
1854Move to IndianaMoves to Indianapolis, where he begins practicing law.
1857City AttorneyBecomes City Attorney of Indianapolis, marking his first public role.
1862Joins Union ArmyEnlists as a captain in the 70th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.
1864Promoted to Brigadier GeneralPromoted for his leadership during Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign.
1865Post-War CareerReturns to Indiana and resumes his law practice.
1876Runs for GovernorRuns unsuccessfully for Governor of Indiana but gains political influence.
1881U.S. SenateElected as U.S. Senator, serving one term (1881-1887).
1888Presidential NominationWins the Republican nomination and runs for president against Grover Cleveland.
1888 (November)Elected PresidentWins the presidency despite losing the popular vote.
1889InaugurationInaugurated as the 23rd President of the United States.
1889-1890New States AdmittedSix new states join the Union: North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming.
1890Sherman Antitrust ActSigns the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first law addressing monopolies.
1890McKinley Tariff ActImposes high tariffs, sparking controversy over rising consumer prices.
1890Veterans’ PensionsSigns the Dependent and Disability Pension Act, expanding benefits for veterans.
1891Forest Reserve ActEstablishes national forest reserves, laying the groundwork for conservation.
1892Homestead StrikeViolent labor conflict at Carnegie Steel highlights industrial tensions.
1892 (November)Loses Re-electionDefeated by Grover Cleveland, who returns to the presidency.
1892 (October)Death of Caroline HarrisonCaroline dies of tuberculosis, deeply affecting Harrison.
1896Second MarriageMarries Mary Scott Lord Dimmick, causing family controversy.
1900Opposition to Philippine WarSpeaks out against U.S. colonial policies during the Philippine-American War.
1901 (March 13)DeathDies of pneumonia at age 67 in Indianapolis. Buried at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Timeline of Benjamin Harrison

1833 (August 20) – Birth

Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio, to John Scott Harrison and Elizabeth Ramsey Irwin.

His family lineage was deeply rooted in American history—he was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, and the great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Also Read: Benjamin Harrison Accomplishments

Raised on a farm along the Ohio River, Harrison was exposed to politics and civic duty from a young age.

Benjamin Harrison

1852 – Graduation

Harrison graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he excelled in studies and developed an interest in public speaking, debate, and law.

He studied under the guidance of highly respected professors and became well-versed in classical subjects. His education helped lay the foundation for his legal and political career.

1853 – Marriage

Harrison married Caroline Lavinia Scott, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. The couple shared a close relationship built on mutual respect and strong religious values.

Also Read: Benjamin Harrison Facts

Together, they had two children: Russell Benjamin Harrison and Mary Harrison McKee. Caroline played a significant role in Harrison’s personal and political life.

1854 – Move to Indiana

Shortly after their marriage, the Harrisons moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Benjamin began his legal practice. He quickly gained prominence within the legal community for his strong oratory skills, attention to detail, and work ethic. His reputation grew, leading to appointments that would advance his political aspirations.

1857 – City Attorney

Harrison was appointed City Attorney of Indianapolis, marking his entry into public service. In this role, he provided legal counsel to city officials, handled municipal legal matters, and earned a reputation for integrity and competence. This early experience helped him build connections that would serve him well in his political career.

1862 – Joins Union Army

With the Civil War raging, Harrison felt it was his duty to serve. He helped raise a regiment of volunteers and was commissioned as a captain in the 70th Indiana Infantry. His commitment to the Union cause demonstrated his patriotism and leadership abilities, which would eventually lead to his rise within the army ranks.

1864 – Promoted to Brigadier General

Harrison distinguished himself during the Atlanta Campaign under General William T. Sherman. His leadership and bravery in battle earned him a promotion to brevet brigadier general. His military service solidified his reputation as a leader, which later proved beneficial in his political campaigns.

1865 – Post-War Career

After the Civil War, Harrison returned to Indianapolis and resumed his legal career, becoming one of the city’s most respected attorneys. He worked on cases involving constitutional law and business matters, but he also remained active in Republican Party politics, building a base of supporters for future campaigns.

Benjamin Harrison

1876 – Runs for Governor

Harrison ran as the Republican candidate for Governor of Indiana but lost the election. Despite this defeat, he emerged as a key figure within the state’s Republican Party. His popularity among party leaders and voters continued to grow, positioning him for national office.

1881 – U.S. Senate

Harrison was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served one term (1881-1887). He was a strong advocate for protective tariffs, veterans’ pensions, and civil service reform. His legislative record in the Senate helped him gain national recognition and laid the groundwork for his presidential campaign.

1888 – Presidential Nomination

During the Republican National Convention in 1888, Harrison secured the nomination after defeating other candidates, including former nominee James G. Blaine. His campaign emphasized support for tariffs, industrial growth, and veterans’ benefits, aligning with key Republican priorities of the time.

1888 (November) – Elected President

In one of the most contentious elections of the era, Harrison won the presidency by securing 233 electoral votes, despite losing the popular vote to incumbent Grover Cleveland. His victory reflected strong support from industrial states in the North and Midwest.

1889 – Inauguration

Harrison was inaugurated as the 23rd President of the United States on March 4, 1889. His presidency marked the beginning of an active legislative agenda focused on economic growth, modernization, and territorial expansion.

1889-1890 – New States Admitted

Under Harrison’s leadership, six new states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming—were admitted to the Union, the most of any presidency since the early 1800s. This expansion reflected the rapid growth and settlement of the western United States.

1890 – Sherman Antitrust Act

Harrison signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first federal legislation designed to prevent monopolies and regulate large corporations. Although enforcement was initially weak, this law laid the foundation for future antitrust actions and remains a key piece of economic regulation.

Benjamin Harrison

1890 – McKinley Tariff Act

Harrison supported and signed the McKinley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs on imports to protect American industries. While the tariff benefited manufacturers, it was criticized for causing higher prices on goods, contributing to economic dissatisfaction among consumers.

1890 – Veterans’ Pensions

Harrison signed the Dependent and Disability Pension Act, which significantly expanded pensions for Civil War veterans and their dependents. This policy demonstrated his commitment to veterans but also contributed to increased federal spending.

1891 – Forest Reserve Act

Harrison signed the Forest Reserve Act, which authorized the president to establish national forest reserves. This marked the beginning of federal conservation efforts and played a critical role in the preservation of public lands.

1892 – Homestead Strike

During Harrison’s presidency, the violent Homestead Strike at the Carnegie Steel Company in Pennsylvania highlighted the growing tensions between labor and industry. The strike resulted in several deaths and brought national attention to labor rights issues.

1892 (November) – Loses Re-election

Harrison was defeated by Grover Cleveland in the 1892 election. Economic dissatisfaction, backlash over the McKinley Tariff, and labor unrest were key factors contributing to his loss. Cleveland returned to the presidency, becoming the only president to serve nonconsecutive terms.

1892 (October) – Death of Caroline Harrison

Shortly before the election, Caroline Harrison died of tuberculosis, deeply affecting Benjamin. Her death cast a shadow over his re-election campaign, and many believed it contributed to his subdued public appearances.

1896 – Second Marriage

Harrison married Mary Scott Lord Dimmick, his late wife’s niece. The marriage caused controversy within the family due to the age difference (she was 25 years younger) and the close familial connection. However, the couple remained devoted to each other.

1900 – Opposition to Philippine War

Harrison publicly opposed U.S. colonial expansion, particularly during the Philippine-American War. He criticized the imperialistic policies of the McKinley administration, arguing that they contradicted America’s founding principles of self-determination and liberty.

1901 (March 13) – Death

Benjamin Harrison died of pneumonia at the age of 67 in Indianapolis. He was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery next to his first wife, Caroline. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to public service, and his legacy as a defender of veterans, tariffs, and modernization lives on.