Benjamin Harrison

1889: Benjamin Harrison left his home in Indianapolis to go to Washington, D. C., to take the oath as the 23rd President of the United States. Indiana Governor Alvin Hovey and Indianapolis Mayor Caleb Denny led the large crowd which gathered to send him off. The parade to Union Station included prominent citizens and members of the state legislature as well as hundreds of school children who had been given a long recess to allow them to witness the history-making event. Speaking to the assembly, Harrison said, “I love this city. It has been my one cherished home.” The Indiana Sentinel reported that, through the excitement, Harrison’s “ever cool and collected manner manifested itself.” (Pictured: The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site at 13th and Delaware in Indianapolis.)