"The National Whig Song," 1840

01

Artifact Overview

Political parties use campaign songs to literally sing the praises of their candidates. In 1840, songwriters wrote dozens upon dozens of lyrics for the presidential nominees. The National Whig Song, performed at campaign rallies, parades and barbeques, lauded the life of William Henry Harrison. Voters voiced their approval for the "fine, true-hearted gentleman" and made Harrison the next U.S. President.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Sheet music

Date Made

1840

Creator Notes

Music composed by William Hayden. Sheet lithographed by Benjamin Thayer, Boston, Mass. Published by Parker & Ditson, Boston, Mass.

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

72.97.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography
Printing (Process)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 12.125 in
Width: 9.875 in

Inscriptions

on front cover: THE NATIONAL WHIG SONG. below portrait: B.W. Thayer's Lithogy. Boston. / W.H. Harrison / Written by WILLIAM HAYDEN, ESQ. and respectfully dedicated to the Whigs of the United States. / Price 25 cts. nett. / BOSTON. Published by PARKER & DITSON, 135 Washington St. / Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1840 by Parker & Ditson in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
"The National Whig Song," 1840