Fun Facts About Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893 and was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th president. This Indiana native expanded the U.S. Navy and added states to the Union, but he also had a life full of quirky and surprising details that kids will love uncovering. Here are ten kid-friendly fun facts about Benjamin Harrison!

Scroll down for the full list, or check out our Benjamin Harrison Activity Book -- 24 pages of fun and educational activities for kids ages 5-10.

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President Benjamin Harrison

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Fun Facts About Benjamin Harrison

  1. He Was Scared of Electricity
    Harrison brought electric lights to the White House, but he and his family were afraid of getting shocked, so they had staff turn the switches on and off!
  2. His Grandfather Was President Too
    Harrison's grandpa, William Henry Harrison, was the 9th president, making them the only grandfather-grandson duo in U.S. history—talk about family legacy!
  3. He Lost the Popular Vote but Won the Election
    In 1888, Harrison got fewer votes than Grover Cleveland but won the electoral college, becoming president anyway—a twisty election kids might find surprising!
  4. He Added Six New States to the U.S.
    During his term, Harrison signed six western states into the Union, like North Dakota and Washington, making the map bigger and more colorful!
  5. He Built a Stronger Navy
    Harrison modernized the U.S. Navy, turning it from weak to powerful with new steel ships—imagine sailing on those high-tech boats!
  6. His Great-Grandpa Signed the Declaration
    Harrison's great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, was one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, connecting him to America's founding!
  7. He Was Called "The Human Iceberg"
    People nicknamed Harrison "The Human Iceberg" because he seemed stiff and formal, but kids might laugh at the chilly title!
  8. He Started the White House Christmas Tree
    Harrison was the first president to put up a Christmas tree inside the White House, starting a holiday tradition that families still love today!
  9. He Loved Fishing and Hunting as a Kid
    Growing up in Ohio, Harrison spent his childhood outdoors fishing and hunting, enjoying nature adventures that kids might want to try!
  10. He Was a Famous Lawyer in a Big Case
    Before politics, Harrison was a lawyer who represented Venezuela in a huge boundary dispute with Great Britain, winning fame like a courtroom superhero!
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