Presidential Biographies | Harding Administration - The Harding Administration Legacy

The Harding Administration Legacy

The Death of Warren Harding

Amidst rumors of widespread corruption in his administration, Harding, determined to maintain his popularity with the U.S. public, undertook a transcontinental trip in June 1923 that was to end in Alaska. He made many personal appearances and scores of speeches along the way. On his trip back from Alaska to San Francisco, California, the president suffered stomach cramps and indigestion. At 7:30 P.M. on August 2, the president suddenly died while resting in his bed.

The Senate investigation of Teapot Dome did not begin until after Harding's death. But he understood the worsening situation of his administration, and he spoke with sadness to Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover and other associates about his betrayal by his best friends. It is possible that Harding's early death was brought...