An Inauguration to Remember
Harrison was inaugurated as president on March 4th, 1841. March isn’t a warm month, and this wasn’t a warm, or dry, day. Nevertheless, Harrison had sought after the presidency his whole life, so for this momentous occasion, he wanted to show that he was the strong man that the country needed.
To do so, he rode on horseback to the inauguration and refused to wear an overcoat the entire time. You know how the people lose faith when they realize their president can feel the elements. Additionally, he gave a 2-hour-long inauguration speech, still sans coat, in the rain. This remains the longest inaugural speech to this day.
Actions Have Consequences
You know what happens when you stand for over two hours in the cold and rain with no form of protection? You get sick. You know what happened a lot back in the day when you got sick before modern medicine? You got pneumonia. You can piece the rest of the puzzle together yourself. Granted, he didn’t develop pneumonia right away, although the inauguration undoubtedly set the stage. Combined with the exhausting schedule of the presidency, Harrison grew weaker. Mind you, he was 68 when he was sworn into office, so no spring chicken.
As Quickly as He Came, He Went
Less than a month into office, Harrison finally contracted pneumonia. The final nail in the coffin was when he took a stroll with no hat or coat on, and even after being caught in the rain, he didn’t change out of his wet clothes back at the White House. His doctors were astute and really seemed to try everything. From opium, to castor oil, to bloodletting (that’s right, be thankful you live in the 21st century), nothing worked.
Only 32 days after becoming the president, Harrison passed away. His month-long term remains the shortest in U.S. history and serves as a constant reminder that when your mom tells you to wear a coat because it’s cold outside, just listen to her.