The Wide Awakes
Loosely organized political clubs sprang up in numerous towns and cities across the nation during the 1850s. They adopted names like the Fremont “Bears,” the Douglas “Invincibles,” and the Lincoln “Rail Maulers” and “Wide-Awakes.” In their nocturnal marches, like the one shown above, Wide-Awakes holding lanterns and torches snaked through crowds of supporters. Tightly woven hats and oil cloth capes protected them from the flames, and a red sash tied at the waist provided a splash of color. A large eye emblazoned on their standard attested to their watchfulness over the nation.
<p>Loosely organized political clubs sprang up in numerous towns and cities across the nation during the 1850s. They adopted names like the Fremont “Bears,” the Douglas “Invincibles,” and the Lincoln “Rail Maulers” and “Wide-Awakes.” In their nocturnal marches, like the one shown above, Wide-Awakes holding lanterns and torches snaked through crowds of supporters. Tightly woven hats and oil cloth capes protected them from the flames, and a red sash tied at the waist provided a splash of color. A large eye emblazoned on their standard attested to their watchfulness over the nation.</p>