North Bend in Hamilton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Political Desert

William Henry Harrison Memorial Trail

By TeamOHE, July 3, 2019

1. The Political Desert Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Recalling the years after he resigned as general, William Henry Harrison confided that he was, "in bad health, in bad spirit and feeling more like a misanthrope than ever in my life before."

Though serving briefly in the House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, Harrison suffered from political missteps. He lost his position as ambassador to Columbia. The career politician found himself in a local clerk position, far from the power and influence he once held.

Life at North Bend was no more rewarding. Harrison began to amass debt living a lifestyle outside his means. One of his sons was in a downward spiral of drinking. Several of the Harrison children died.

This decline continued until Harrison was selected as one of the Whig Party's presidential nominees in 1836. Though unsuccessful in the campaign, votes for Harrison were strong.

As a lawyer In Illinois, Abraham Lincoln was a Whig Party member. In 1840, he would actively campaign for William Henry Harrison.

1836 Presidential Election Results
Martin Van Buren was in the Democratic party. William Henry Harrison, Hugh L. White,

By TeamOHE, July 3, 2019

2. The Political Desert Marker

and Daniel Webster were in the Whig party. W.P. Margum was in the Anti-Jackson party. A vote numbers refer to the Electoral collage.

The Whigs
In 1834, The Whig party was formed in opposition to President Andrew Jackson and his policies. Little else united the party, which in its beginnings had no position on important issues Like slavery. Still, the party grew in strength and favor. Twenty years later, many Whigs would be responsible for creating the Republican Party we know today.

Erected by The Ohio History Connection.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #08 Martin Van Buren, the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists.

Location. 39° 9.077′ N, 84° 45.144′ W. Marker is in North Bend, Ohio, in Hamilton County. Marker is on Cliff Road 0.1 miles north of Brower Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 Cliff Rd, North Bend OH 45052, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Life At North Bend (here, next to this marker); Harrison's Resume (here,

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next to this marker); Tippecanoe And Tyler Too! (here, next to this marker); From Ensign To Captain (here, next to this marker); The River And The Land (here, next to this marker); Harrison Tomb And Congress Green Cemetery (here, next to this marker); President Harrison (here, next to this marker); Child Of The Revolution (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Bend.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2021, by TeamOHE of Wauseon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2021, by TeamOHE of Wauseon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.