Years in Office: 1889 to 1893

Benjamin Harrison was the grandson of our 9th President William Henry Harrison. Benjamin was very brilliant. He became a lawyer at the age of 20. Harrison did more than any other president to increase respect for the flag. By his order, the flag waved above the White House and all government buildings. Harrison also urged that the flag be flown over all the schools.

Harrison's greatest contribution was passing the Anti-Trust Act. During the period of rapid industrialization in the late 1880's many corporations formed trusts that controlled market prices and destroyed competition. This Act was passed to protect small farmers and businessmen.

While Harrison was president, electric lights and bells were installed in the White House, basketball was originated in 1891 by James A Naismith, a physical education instructor. The states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming were added to the Union making 49.