William Henry Harrison
9th President
1 term
1773-1841
Whig
Was the first President to die while in Office
Was a brave soldier before becoming President
Ran for President two times, winning the second time
Died of pneumonia 32 days after his inauguration, this officially made him President for 31 days and 12 hours, the shortest term yet.
The Whig Party essentially died with Harrison.
Birthplace: Charles City, VA
This house, built in 1726, was the birthplace of William Henry Harrison on February 9th, 1773. It includes a garden, and a lawn extending to the James River. It is named "Berkeley Plantation".
The story
My third day in Virginia saw me start out in Charles City, as I had booked a tour of John Tyler's Sherwood Forest Plantation. Before that, however, my dad and I went to Berkeley Plantation, to tour the birthplace of William Henry Harrison.
I wasn't sure what to expect here; the only thing I knew about it was that it was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison. What I learned was amazing! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and told stories ranging across the centuries of the plantation's existence. Did you know that before Plymouth, Berkeley hosted the first Thanksgiving in 1619? Or that the first ten U.S. Presidents dined here? Of course, we also learned about its use during the Civil War, and how "Taps" was composed here. And who can forget all the ghost stories our tour guide was telling us about? Since Berkeley was used as a Civil War hospital, there's no telling what these walls saw. By the time our tour ended, I was in awe!
I wasn't sure what to expect here; the only thing I knew about it was that it was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison. What I learned was amazing! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and told stories ranging across the centuries of the plantation's existence. Did you know that before Plymouth, Berkeley hosted the first Thanksgiving in 1619? Or that the first ten U.S. Presidents dined here? Of course, we also learned about its use during the Civil War, and how "Taps" was composed here. And who can forget all the ghost stories our tour guide was telling us about? Since Berkeley was used as a Civil War hospital, there's no telling what these walls saw. By the time our tour ended, I was in awe!
The House
Berkeley Plantation was gorgeous!
Benjamin Harrison V plaque
Grave sign
Grave of Col. Benjamin Harrison
What can I say, dogs love us?
Monument to Berkeley's dogs
Harrison Family Tree
Berkeley kitchen
Plymouth ain't got nothing on Berkeley Plantation, home of the REAL first Thanksgiving. It was even referenced by President John F. Kennedy in his 1963 Thanksgiving address, delivered just 17 days before his assassination.
This looks like it would make a nice door knocker
Civil War relic
The Union occupied Berkeley Plantation during the Civil War
Lovely house views!
Colonial Kitchen
George
Our self-guided grounds tour was upgraded to a guided tour at no extra charge, when George decided to follow us around. As a guy with a black cat for almost 18 years, this was a welcome surprise!
Painting
Patio sign
Sundial, feat. George
Berkeley had some lovely flowers!
Rabbit
Dining Table
"Taps" was composed at Berkeley
Bugler Oliver W. Norton played the melody at Harrison's Landing, the plantation's old wharf. It was composed by Norton and General Daniel Butterfield.
Tavern
Dining Table
Timeline of Berkeley Plantation
Gallery
Home: Vincennes, IN
William Henry Harrison lived here from 1803-1812, when he was Governor of the Indiana Territory. It is named "Grousland".
Gravesite: North Bend, OH
In 1841, when the memorial was completed, William's remains were moved into the crypt. The giant obelisk looming over the tomb was built in 1922 after a major restoration on the tomb, which had faced decay, neglect, and vandalism for years.
Former Burial Site: Washington, D.C.
In 1841, upon Harrison's death, his body was placed in the Public Vault in Congressional Cemetery.
Statue: Indianapolis, IN
A statue of Harrison is located in Monument Circle.
