William Henry Harrison’s Squirrel Stew Recipe

William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, is often remembered for having the shortest presidency in history, but his life and tastes tell a story of a man deeply connected to the American frontier. Among his favorite dishes was a humble yet hearty meal— squirrel stew.

This rustic dish, rooted in the frontier lifestyle, was a staple for many early Americans who relied on the land for sustenance. In this post, we’ll take a look at Harrison’s life, his fondness for squirrel stew, and how you can recreate this historical recipe in your kitchen.

A Frontier Life: William Henry Harrison’s Journey

Born on February 9, 1773, in Charles City County, Virginia, William Henry Harrison was destined for a life of public service. His father, Benjamin Harrison V, was a prominent political figure and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, which gave young William a strong foundation in leadership and patriotism.

Despite his aristocratic beginnings, Harrison’s life would lead him far from the comforts of Virginia’s elite, as he became a symbol of the rugged American frontier.

At the age of 18, Harrison began his military career, serving in the Northwest Indian War, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership skills. His victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 made him a national hero and earned him the nickname “Old Tippecanoe.”

His later role in the War of 1812 further cemented his reputation as a formidable military leader. These experiences on the frontier not only shaped Harrison’s character but also influenced his preferences, including his taste for simple, hearty foods like squirrel soup.

In 1840, Harrison’s military reputation propelled him into the political arena, where he ran for president as a candidate for the Whig Party. His campaign, famously encapsulated by the slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” portrayed him as a man of the people—a frontier hero with humble tastes, in stark contrast to his opponent, Martin Van Buren.

Stories of Harrison’s simple lifestyle, including his love for squirrel soup, reinforced this image and helped him connect with the electorate.

William Henry Harrison’s Presidency

William Henry Harrison’s presidency is often remembered for its brevity, as he served only 31 days in office before his untimely death. However, his election and the circumstances surrounding his presidency hold significant historical importance.

Harrison was elected as the 9th President of the United States in 1840, representing the Whig Party. His campaign was one of the most memorable in American history, largely due to its use of populist imagery and slogans.

The Whigs portrayed Harrison as a man of the people, contrasting his simple, frontier lifestyle with that of his opponent, the incumbent President Martin Van Buren, who was depicted as an out-of-touch aristocrat. The famous slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” referred to Harrison’s military victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe and his running mate, John Tyler.

The Tragic Fate of Old Tippecanoe

Once in office, Harrison was determined to assert the authority of the presidency and reestablish the power of the executive branch, which he felt had been diminished during Van Buren’s term.

Despite his advanced age and the demands of the office, Harrison insisted on maintaining an active schedule. He delivered the longest inaugural address in American history—nearly two hours long—on a cold and rainy day, refusing to wear a hat or overcoat.

Unfortunately, this decision likely contributed to his catching pneumonia, which would soon prove fatal.

Harrison’s death on April 4, 1841, just one month after taking office, marked the first time a sitting U.S. president had died in office. His passing led to a constitutional crisis of sorts, as it was unclear whether Vice President John Tyler would fully assume the presidency or merely act as a temporary caretaker.

Tyler’s decisive assumption of the full powers of the presidency set a critical precedent for the smooth transition of power, which has been followed ever since.

The Frontier Dish: Squirrel Stew

Squirrel stew was a common dish among early settlers, especially those who lived in rural or frontier areas.

Squirrel meat, combined with vegetables and a few simple seasonings, was slow-cooked to create a nourishing and flavorful broth. For many families, this dish was a practical and resourceful way to make use of what the land provided.

On the frontier, hunting and preparing squirrels was a routine task, and the meat was a valuable source of protein. Squirrel stew, with its tender meat and rich broth, became a staple dish that was both filling and easy to prepare.

It’s easy to imagine William Henry Harrison, a man who spent much of his life in the wilderness, enjoying a bowl of this rustic stew after a long day.

For Harrison, squirrel stew wasn’t just food; it was a connection to the land and the life he had led as a soldier and pioneer. Even as he rose to national prominence, his tastes remained grounded in the simple, hearty meals that had sustained him throughout his life on the frontier.