| Benjamin Harrison | |
|---|---|
| File:Benjamin Harrison Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 23rd President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1889 – March 4, 1893 |
| Vice President | Levi P. Morton |
| Preceded by | Grover Cleveland |
| Succeeded by | Grover Cleveland |
| Born | August 20, 1833 North Bend, Ohio, United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Caroline Harrison (m. 1853–1892) Mary Scott Lord Dimmick (m. 1896–1901) |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Lawyer, politician, soldier |
| Alma mater | Miami University (Ohio) |
| Signature | 
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Benjamin Harrison (August 20, 1833 – March 13, 1901) was the 23rd president of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893. A grandson of the 9th president, William Henry Harrison, he was known for supporting civil rights, expanding the U.S. Navy, and signing key economic legislation.
Early Life and Career
Born in Ohio, Harrison was the son of a U.S. congressman. He graduated from Miami University and became a lawyer in Indiana. He served as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the Civil War. Afterward, he entered Republican politics and served as a U.S. senator from Indiana.
Presidency (1889–1893)
Harrison defeated incumbent Grover Cleveland in the 1888 election despite losing the popular vote. His presidency included:
- The passage of the McKinley Tariff (raising import duties)
- The Sherman Antitrust Act, the first federal law to limit monopolies
- Admitting six new western states into the Union
- Advocating for voting rights for African Americans (though blocked by Congress)
He also expanded the U.S. Navy and modernized the federal budget process.
Later Life and Legacy
Harrison lost re-election to Cleveland in 1892. His wife, Caroline, died during his term, and he later remarried. He returned to his law practice and occasionally gave speeches. He died in 1901 in Indianapolis.
Though not as well-known as other presidents, Harrison’s administration marked important economic and legislative milestones. He is often recognized for his integrity and dedication to the law.