William Henry Harrison

This 1813 portrait of William Henry Harrison by Rembrandt Peale hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

"The first battle of the War of 1812 actually occurred in 1811, with the Battle of Tippecanoe in the Indiana wilderness. As governor of the territory, William Henry Harrison faced increased resistance from Indian tribes forced from their homes by new settlers. Harrison met with Shawnee warrior chief Tecumseh at a tense council that nearly ended in violence and led in part to Tecumseh's alliance with the British during the subsequent war. With tensions rising, Tecumseh's brother Tenskwatawa (the Prophet) attacked Harrison's forces near Tippecanoe. The surprise strike resulted in heavy casualties for Harrison; however, the Indians left the field and Harrison then destroyed Tecumseh's stronghold, Prophet's Town, claiming the victory. A year later, Harrison. commanded the American forces at the Battle of the Thames, where Tecumseh was killed. In 1840 the slogan 'Tippecanoe and Tyler too!' propelled Harrison to the presidency." -- National Portrait Gallery