Benjamin Harrison and the Shocking Story of the White House’s First Electric Lights
When Benjamin Harrison became the 23rd president of the United States in 1889, the White House was on the brink of a major upgrade—electricity! But while this innovation may seem ordinary today, it was anything but routine for President Harrison and his family. In fact, they were so afraid of the new electric lights that they sometimes refused to touch the switches!
The White House Gets Wired
Electricity was still a new and somewhat mysterious invention when the White House had it installed in 1891. The Edison Company had been working on lighting up homes and buildings across America, and soon, the president’s residence was added to the list. While this was a groundbreaking improvement, not everyone in the White House was thrilled about it—especially the president himself!
A Fear of Getting Shocked
Benjamin Harrison and his wife, Caroline, were reportedly terrified of the electric switches. Since early electrical systems weren’t as safe as modern ones, people worried about getting shocked if they touched them. The Harrisons were no exception! According to some reports, they were so nervous that they sometimes left the lights on overnight rather than risk turning them off.
More Than Just Electricity
Though his fear of light switches is a humorous part of his legacy, Harrison’s presidency was filled with important changes. He helped expand America’s Navy, supported conservation efforts, and even admitted six new states to the Union—more than any other president in such a short time!
Fun Fact: A Family of Presidents
Benjamin Harrison wasn’t the first member of his family to serve as president—his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was the 9th president of the United States! That makes them the first (and only) grandfather-grandson duo in U.S. presidential history.
Conclusion
While Benjamin Harrison may not have been a fan of electricity, his time in the White House was filled with major advancements. Today, we take electric lighting for granted, but back then, it was as groundbreaking as the latest smartphone!
