Benjamin Harrison

Life & History

Early Life: Benjamin Harrison was born on August 20, 1833, in North Bend, Ohio. He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States. Harrison studied law and began a legal career in Indiana.

Political Career: Harrison served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he became involved in Republican politics and was elected to the U.S. Senate from Indiana.

Presidency (1889–1893): Harrison became the 23rd President of the United States. His administration passed important laws including the Sherman Antitrust Act to limit monopolies and the McKinley Tariff. He also supported the expansion of the U.S. Navy and admitted six new states to the Union.

Later Life: After losing reelection, Harrison returned to his law practice and remained active in public life. He died on March 13, 1901, and is remembered for his efforts to regulate big business.