Harrison was initially interest in the ministry, but chose a profession in law instead. As a lawyer his reputation was well founded that his fee was high, but well worth the quality of his work and was very selective in whom he represented. After the Civil War he was a Colonel of the 70th Indiana Volunteer Infantry where he was nicknamed "Little Ben" because he was only 5 feet 6 inches tall. He was a firm supporter of Native Americans, homesteaders, and Civil War veterans. Harrison is the only United States president from the state of Indiana and was inaugurated 100 years after George Washington. While president he signed bills calling for internal improvements, the expansion of the navy, and subsidies for steamship lines.

Harrison was instrumental in the increase in global trading and also dealing with the resulting tariff issues. He also helped to improve relations with Central America, which resulted in the Pan-American games. Another one of his policies resulted in an agreement with Britain over fur seals in the Bering Sea, and also war with Britain and Germany over the control of Samoa was avoided. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 while under his term required the U.S. government to purchase nearly double the silver as before. It also added substantially to the amount of money already in circulation. After he retired from office and returned home to Indianapolis, He became a lecturer and writer and also have a successful law practice that took him before the Supreme Court.