Anna Harrison

Anna Harrison (1775-1864) was an American first lady (1841), the wife of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States, and grandmother of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president. She was the first First Lady to receive a formal education, counting Martha Washington's granddaughter among her classmates. As her husband's military and political career advanced, Anna oversaw their household and large, growing family. Anna was too ill to attend her husband's March 1841 inauguration, and by the time she had recovered, William himself had fallen ill and soon passed away, ending Anna's one month tenure as First Lady. After William's death, Anna spent her remaining years with her sole surviving son, helping him raise her grandson, Benjamin, who would become president in 1869.

More to Explore

People and Groups

Themes

Events

Related Topics

This Day in History

May 24

Presidential

Thomas Jefferson inquires about a former flame, 1797

On this day in 1797, future President Thomas Jefferson writes to his friend Angelica Church, inquiring casually about their mutual friend, Maria Cosway, a…

Did You Know?

Anna Harrison gave birth to t10 children, the most born to any first lady. She outlived all but one of them.

Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

Advertisement

Related Shows

Shop HISTORY

See More

Classroom Study Guides

  • Thomas Jefferson Teacher's Guide (PDF)

    Jefferson is an insightful 2-hour presentation on HISTORY which examines his many identities and asks viewers to answer for themselves: who was the real Thomas Jefferson, and what is his most lasting legacy in our world today?

  • TR: An American Lion (PDF)