The Curse of Tippecanoe is one of the most mysterious and eerie legends in American political history. It refers to a supposed pattern in which U.S. presidents elected in years divisible by twenty, beginning in 1840, died in office. The legend has sparked curiosity for decades, and while many dismiss it as mere coincidence, others view it as a haunting tale tied to Native American history and early 19th-century warfare. This strange pattern has become part of political folklore, often revisited during presidential elections and times of national tragedy.
Origins of the Curse
Battle of Tippecanoe and Tecumseh’s Prophecy
The legend traces its roots to the Battle of Tippecanoe, which took place in 1811. William Henry Harrison, then governor of the Indiana Territory, led U.S. forces against a confederation of Native American tribes organized by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his brother, known as the Prophet Tenskwatawa. Although Harrison claimed victory, the conflict further ignited Native resistance in the region.
According to the tale, after the battle and the subsequent death of Tecumseh in 1813, the Prophet allegedly placed a curse on Harrison and future American presidents elected in years ending in zero. While there is no definitive proof that such a curse was spoken, the eerie sequence of presidential deaths beginning with Harrison has given weight to the myth over time.
Presidents Affected by the Curse
William Henry Harrison (Elected 1840)
Harrison was the first president linked to the curse. Elected in 1840, he delivered the longest inaugural address in history on a cold and rainy day. He developed pneumonia and died just 31 days into his term the shortest presidency in U.S. history.
Abraham Lincoln (Elected 1860)
Lincoln, one of America’s most iconic presidents, was elected in 1860 and reelected in 1864. He was assassinated in April 1865, just days after the Civil War ended. His death, like Harrison’s, fit the emerging pattern of cursed presidents.
James A. Garfield (Elected 1880)
Garfield was shot in July 1881, just months into his term. Although he lingered for weeks, he ultimately died in September of that year, adding to the list of presidents who perished while serving after being elected in a zero year.
William McKinley (Reelected 1900)
Although McKinley had been first elected in 1896, his 1900 reelection placed him within the curse’s timeline. He was assassinated in 1901, only months after beginning his second term.
Warren G. Harding (Elected 1920)
Harding died suddenly of a heart attack in 1923 while still in office. His death, surrounded by rumors of scandal and illness, further cemented the fear of the Tippecanoe Curse.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Elected 1940)
Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented third term in 1940 and a fourth in 1944. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage in April 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II.
John F. Kennedy (Elected 1960)
Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. His death shocked the nation and revived talk of the Tippecanoe Curse, as it continued the pattern of presidents dying in office after election years divisible by twenty.
A Break in the Pattern?
Ronald Reagan (Elected 1980)
When Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981, many began to believe the curse had been broken. Reagan was shot but recovered fully and completed two full terms in office. His survival was seen as a turning point in the alleged curse’s timeline.
George W. Bush (Elected 2000)
George W. Bush also faced dangers, particularly during the events of September 11, 2001. However, he served two full terms without a fatal incident, further weakening belief in the curse’s power. While threats existed, Bush emerged unscathed.
Explanations and Theories
Coincidence or Supernatural?
Some historians and scholars argue that the Tippecanoe Curse is nothing more than coincidence. Given the small number of presidents who fit the pattern, they claim the supposed curse lacks statistical significance. Yet, the consistent timeline from 1840 to 1960 is hard for many to dismiss entirely.
Others suggest that the belief in the curse comes from a desire to make sense of tragic events. Humans often seek patterns in chaos, and the repeating deaths offered a compelling if eerie narrative.
Medical and Historical Factors
Presidents in the 19th and early 20th centuries lacked access to modern medicine. Disease, poor hygiene, and limited treatments made early death more common. Additionally, several assassinations occurred during times of high political tension, which may explain some of the pattern.
The Role of Native American Lore
Many believe the curse is rooted in Native American resistance and vengeance. The Battle of Tippecanoe symbolized betrayal and violence against indigenous peoples. The legend may have grown as a form of poetic justice, giving voice to historical injustices through folklore.
Impact on Popular Culture
The Tippecanoe Curse has been referenced in books, documentaries, and political commentary. During election years divisible by 20, the media often revisits the legend, speculating whether the curse will return. It has become part of the cultural fabric of presidential history, a topic that blends superstition, tragedy, and curiosity.
- The curse adds an element of suspense to presidential elections.
- It keeps the memory of Tecumseh and the Battle of Tippecanoe alive in public consciousness.
- It offers a narrative framework for examining presidential deaths and national trauma.
The Curse of Tippecanoe is a haunting blend of folklore, history, and political tragedy. While it may not have any real supernatural power, its influence on American culture is undeniable. Whether seen as coincidence or a curse, it has captured the imagination of generations. As modern presidents break the pattern, the legend may fade into myth. Still, the shadow of Tippecanoe continues to linger, a reminder of how the past can echo into the present in strange and unexpected ways.