The White House Gets Electricity

Updated July 24, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

The Question:

Who was the first president to have electricity in the White House during their term?

The Answer:

The country's 23rd president Benjamin Harrison was in office when the White House was first wired for electricity.

President Harrison, however, did not welcome the new invention with open arms. It has been reported that he and his wife were afraid of being shocked by the light switches on the wall, so they continued to use the old gaslights.

-The Editors

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