Presidential Biographies | W. H. Harrison Administration - Introduction

Introduction

Born into one of Virginia's most aristocratic families, William Henry Harrison entered the military at an early age, attained national recognition for his victory over the American Indian leader Tecumseh at the Battle of Tippecanoe, and was promoted to general during the War of 1812. He went on to enjoy a long career in frontier and national politics that culminated in his victory of the presidential election of 1840. He died, however, after only one month in office, and his administration is known as the shortest in U.S. history.