Tag Archives: William Henry Harrison

028 – Keep the Ball A’Rollin: The Long Path to the White House



The Harrison Campaign Ball 2.0, courtesy of the Library of Congress

In this episode, we dive into the presidential campaigns of 1836 and 1840 and explore some of the more interesting facets of the election season. From the mode of campaigning to the organization (or lack thereof at times) of the political parties of the time, these two elections are filled with interesting characters and social changes. The role of women in the campaign, the first anti-slavery political party, and Van Buren’s controversial running mate, Richard Mentor Johnson, are all considered in this episode. Source information for this episode can be found at http://whhpodcast.blubrry.com.


027 – Years of Struggle



A View of Cincinnati in 1841 by Klauprech & Menzel, courtesy of Wikipedia

Upon his return to the United States, Harrison found himself beset by both personal and political issues. Through the course of Jackson’s terms in the White House, Harrison would face the death of loved ones and financial strains while at the same time continuing to make a name for himself in the public eye in spite of the efforts of rivals. He would also attempt to straddle both sides of the issue in the growing national debate over slavery. Through the many twists and turns of the 1830s, he would find the path ahead increasingly looking like it might lead to a White House in Washington. Source information for this episode can be found at http://whhpodcast.blubrry.com.


026 – The Case of Harrison v Despotism



Símon Bolívar, c. 1830, by José María Espinosa, courtesy of Wikipedia

We take a close look in this episode at Harrison’s letter to Símon Bolívar of 27 September 1829, completed just prior to Harrison’s return to the United States, in order to understand what it reveals about Harrison’s observations on Colombia and its government as well as about Harrison and what he took from this foray into international diplomacy. I also consider what implications this letter has for Harrison at this point in his life and what we might glean from it about his plans upon his return to North Bend. Sources used for this episode can be found at http://whhpodcast.blubrry.com.


025 – The Colombian Mission



The Cathedral of Bogotá in Bolívar Square, 2004 by Kenori, courtesy of Wikipedia

Harrison is sent off on a diplomatic mission to Colombia but quickly learns that navigating international politics can sometimes be problematic, particularly in the wake of both the turbulence of the Latin American wars of independence and the Jackson revolution back in the States. Join the General and myself on a journey of nearly 2,500 miles from North Bend to Bogotá, the capital of Simón Bolívar’s Gran Colombia. Sources for this episode can be found at http://whhpodcast.blubrry.com.


009 – The Harrison Bunch



Anna Symmes Harrison, courtesy of the Library of Congress
Anna Symmes Harrison, courtesy of the Library of Congress

This week’s episode focuses in on those nearest and dearest to Harrison – his family. We take a brief look at his parents, his wife Anna Symmes Harrison, and their many children. We also take a few moments to discuss his most famous grandson who was also known as the 23rd President of the United States. This episode has body snatching, military adventuring, May/December romances, and much more, so don’t miss out! Sources used for this episode can be found at http://whhpodcast.blubrry.com.