Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States
Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States
Benjamin Harrison was born 192 years ago today, on August 20, 1833, in North Bend, Ohio. He was raised in a politically active family and was the grandson of President William Henry Harrison. Harrison graduated from Miami University in Ohio in 1852 and pursued a career in law before entering politics.
Before becoming president, Harrison served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He later practiced law in Indianapolis and entered public service as a U.S. Senator from Indiana. His integrity and leadership in the Senate helped build his national reputation.
As president from 1889 to 1893, Harrison supported economic modernization and civil rights legislation. His administration saw the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act and significant increases in federal spending, including the first billion-dollar budget. He also worked to expand the U.S. Navy and admitted six new states to the Union.
- Benjamin Harrison married Caroline Lavinia Scott in 1853, and they had two children, Russell and Mary. After Caroline’s death, Harrison later married Mary Scott Lord Dimmick, his late wife's niece.
- Harrison was known for giving extremely detailed speeches without notes, impressing audiences with his command of facts and policy. He was also the first president to have his voice recorded using early phonograph technology.
- The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, at his former home. The museum preserves personal artifacts, official documents, and memorabilia from Harrison’s life and presidency. It is situated near other cultural landmarks such as the Indiana War Memorial and the Indiana State Capitol.
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