Whig Party's first national convention nominates William Henry Harrison

Background. Whig leaders planned the first national convention in December 1839 to choose a presidential nominee. Henry Clay had emerged as the front-runner by early 1838 due to southern support and opposition to Van Buren's Independent Treasury. However, the timing of the convention, before the economic recovery from the Panic of 1837, disadvantaged Clay compared to a spring 1840 meeting.

Convention Proceedings. The convention took place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from December 4 to 8, 1839. It was the first national convention held by the Whig Party. The state-by-state roll call results were published in the Farmer's Cabinet newspaper on December 13, 1839, documenting the voting process that led to the nomination.

Nomination Outcome. William Henry Harrison won the presidential nomination on the fifth ballot, securing crucial support from Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania and Thurlow Weed of New York. The convention also nominated John Tyler for vice president. Harrison was chosen over more controversial party members like Clay and Webster, highlighting his military record.