William Henry Harrison holds the distinction of serving the shortest term as President of the United States, lasting only 32 days.
A Brief, Historic Presidency
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, was inaugurated on March 4, 1841. At 68 years old, he was the oldest President to assume office at that time. His presidency, however, was tragically brief, making it the shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history.
The Shortest Presidential Term
Just 32 days into his presidency, Harrison became the first U.S. President to die while in office. His death on April 4, 1841, due to pneumonia, led to a significant constitutional precedent regarding presidential succession, as Vice President John Tyler assumed the presidency.
Key Facts About William Henry Harrison's Presidency
- Inauguration: March 4, 1841
- Death: April 4, 1841
- Total Days in Office: 32 days
- Historical Significance:
- First U.S. President to die in office.
- Served the shortest presidential tenure in U.S. history.
- Was the oldest President to be elected at the time of his inauguration.
For more detailed information on his life and presidency, you can visit the official White House biography of William Henry Harrison.
Notable Presidential Tenures
| President | Tenure Length | Key Historical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| William Henry Harrison | 32 days | Shortest term; first U.S. President to die in office. |
| Zachary Taylor | 1 year, 4 months | Second President to die in office. |
| James A. Garfield | 6 months, 15 days | Assassinated in office. |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | 12 years, 1 month | Longest term; served four terms during Great Depression and WWII. |
