10 Facts About Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893 during a time of rapid industrial growth, westward expansion, and political transformation.

Often overshadowed by more prominent figures in American history, Harrison’s presidency nonetheless left a lasting impact on the nation.

As a dedicated public servant, Civil War veteran, and skilled politician, he navigated challenges related to economic reform, voting rights, and foreign policy.

Known as the “Centennial President,” Harrison’s administration saw significant achievements, including the modernization of the U.S. Navy, the expansion of statehood, and the signing of landmark legislation.

The following ten facts reveal the complexity and legacy of a president who helped shape the course of post-Civil War America.

Benjamin Harrison Facts

1. Grandson of a Former U.S. President

Benjamin Harrison was born into a distinguished family with deep political roots. His grandfather, William Henry Harrison, served as the 9th President of the United States in 1841 but died just 31 days into his term, marking the shortest presidency in American history.

Benjamin Harrison’s great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent figure during the American Revolution.

Also Read: Benjamin Harrison Timeline

This legacy of public service deeply influenced Harrison’s political ambitions, and he saw his presidency as a continuation of his family’s patriotic duty to serve the nation.

Benjamin Harrison

2. A Civil War Veteran

Before entering politics, Benjamin Harrison served with distinction in the Union Army during the Civil War. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1862, he was soon promoted to colonel and commanded the 70th Indiana Infantry Regiment.

His leadership earned him the respect of his troops and his superiors, leading to his promotion to brigadier general.

Also Read: Accomplishments of Benjamin Harrison

Harrison participated in important campaigns, including the Battle of Resaca and the Siege of Atlanta, which were critical to General William T. Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. His military service not only gave him credibility but also helped him gain national recognition.

3. A Lawyer by Profession

Benjamin Harrison began his career as a lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, after graduating from Miami University in Ohio. He initially worked in the law office of Storer & Gwynne in Cincinnati before establishing his own practice.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and persuasive oratory skills, Harrison quickly built a reputation as an effective litigator. His legal expertise led him to represent large corporations and state government cases, which brought him into contact with influential Republican leaders.

His success as a lawyer laid the groundwork for his future in politics, as he entered the Indiana state legislature and later served as U.S. Senator.

4. The Centennial President

Harrison’s inauguration on March 4, 1889, was a symbolic milestone in American history, occurring exactly 100 years after George Washington’s first inauguration. The press and the public often referred to Harrison as the “Centennial President” to highlight this historical coincidence.

His presidency was marked by efforts to reflect national pride, and the centennial celebration included numerous patriotic events. Although Harrison was a reserved man by nature, he understood the importance of this moment and sought to promote an image of American progress and national unity during his time in office.

Benjamin Harrison

5. Expanded the U.S. Navy

One of Harrison’s most significant contributions as president was the modernization and expansion of the U.S. Navy, which had been neglected since the Civil War. When Harrison took office, the U.S. Navy was outdated and largely ineffective compared to other world powers.

He championed a program to build steel-hulled, steam-powered warships, including battleships like the USS Indiana and the USS Oregon.

By the end of his presidency, the navy had grown substantially, laying the groundwork for its emergence as a dominant global naval power in the 20th century. His efforts demonstrated his belief in a strong military as essential to protecting U.S. interests.

6. First President to Have Electricity in the White House

Harrison’s presidency marked a technological milestone, as the White House became electrified during his term. In 1891, electric lighting was installed by the Edison General Electric Company, bringing cutting-edge innovation to the nation’s most important residence.

However, this new technology made Harrison and his family uneasy. Both he and his wife, Caroline, were so afraid of being shocked by the light switches that they often relied on White House staff to operate them.

The installation of electricity symbolized the rapid technological progress of the Gilded Age and reflected Harrison’s era of industrial growth and modernization.

7. Signed the Sherman Antitrust Act

Harrison’s administration saw the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890, a landmark law aimed at curbing monopolies and restoring fair competition in the marketplace. At the time, large corporations and trusts, such as Standard Oil and the railroads, dominated many sectors of the economy, often stifling smaller businesses.

The law, named after Senator John Sherman of Ohio, prohibited business activities that restrained trade or led to monopolization.

Although initially ineffective due to weak enforcement, the act later became a powerful tool for breaking up monopolies under Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Harrison’s signing of the bill demonstrated his commitment to addressing the growing concerns about corporate power.

Benjamin Harrison

8. Six New States Joined the Union

One of the most notable achievements of Harrison’s presidency was the admission of six new states into the Union—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming. This period of statehood expansion reflected the nation’s westward growth, as settlers established communities in the vast western territories.

Harrison’s administration facilitated the process by approving state constitutions and meeting the requirements for statehood. The addition of these states not only increased the geographic size of the country but also contributed to its economic development through agriculture, mining, and transportation. It was a defining legacy of Harrison’s presidency that further solidified the nation’s Manifest Destiny.

9. Lost the Popular Vote but Won the Electoral College

The 1888 presidential election was one of the most controversial in U.S. history, as Benjamin Harrison lost the popular vote to incumbent President Grover Cleveland but secured victory through the Electoral College.

Harrison received 233 electoral votes to Cleveland’s 168, despite trailing in the popular vote by over 90,000 ballots. This outcome was largely due to strategic campaigning in key swing states, particularly New York and Indiana.

The election highlighted the complexities of the Electoral College system and the potential for outcomes that diverge from the popular will, a debate that continues to this day.

10. Supported African American Voting Rights

Harrison was an advocate for protecting the civil rights of African Americans, particularly their right to vote. He supported the Federal Elections Bill of 1890, also known as the Lodge Bill, which sought to ensure federal oversight of elections to prevent voter suppression and intimidation in the South.

Although the bill had strong backing from Harrison and many Northern Republicans, it faced fierce opposition from Southern Democrats and failed to pass the Senate. Despite this setback, Harrison’s efforts demonstrated his commitment to addressing racial inequality, though the lack of success left African Americans vulnerable to disenfranchisement for decades under Jim Crow laws.