Visiting President William Henry Harrison’s Grave near Cincinnati
In the quiet town of North Bend, Ohio is the final resting place of President William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States.
Harrison is best remembered for his brief tenure—serving only 32 days in 1841 before dying in office. The William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial allows visitors to honor his legacy and appreciate the historical context of his life and presidency.
We visited the memorial overlooking the Ohio River on an early summer afternoon. The small parking lot was nearly full to my surprise. We took a short nature trail to his grave and monument.
The memorial itself is a towering obelisk built in 1841, shortly after Harrison’s death. Walking up to it, a set of stone steps leads up to the tomb, which is enclosed within a small, gated area. The site is simple yet dignified, reflecting Harrison’s status as a military hero and a man of the frontier.
President William Henry Harrison: A Brief History
This location was personally significant to Harrison, who made North Bend his home after a distinguished military and political career.
William Henry Harrison’s legacy is tied to both his military career and his presidency. Before becoming president, he gained fame as a general in the War of 1812, particularly for his victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. It was there he earned the nickname “Old Tippecanoe.”
On the day of his inauguration in 1841, the weather was cold, windy and overcast. Harrison did not dress for the weather, choosing to wear an overcoat, hat, or gloves for the ceremony. On top of that, he delivered what remains the longest inaugural address to date, running 8,445 words and taking nearly two hours to deliver.
His presidency was cut tragically short when he died of pneumonia just weeks after his inauguration.
Despite his brief time in office, Harrison’s election was a turning point in American political history. He was the first president to campaign actively, using catchy slogans like “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” to energize voters. His death also marked the first time a sitting U.S. president had died in office, raising constitutional questions about presidential succession.
Visiting the Memorial
The William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial is located at 35 Cliff Road in North Bend, about 15 miles west of downtown Cincinnati. It is open to the public year-round, and there is no admission fee. While there are no formal guided tours, informational plaques provide context about Harrison’s life and contributions. Whether you’re a presidential history buff or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, the Harrison Tomb State Memorial is well worth the visit.
We spent about 30 minutes visiting the memorial, but it can certainly be done quicker.
