The Republican Convention of 1860
The first national political convention held in Chicago, Illinois, took place at what was called the “Wigwam”—a nineteenth century colloquialism for the headquarters of a political campaign. In May 1860, some 12,000 Republican delegates and spectators crowded into the two-story rectangular structure, shown here, to select their candidate for president in the fall election. Music publisher Oliver Ditson and Company of Boston, Massachusetts, produced the “The ‘Wigwam’ Grand March” after Abraham Lincoln won the Republican Party nomination for president. During the Civil War, Ditson released a number of popular songs, including the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
<p>The first national political convention held in Chicago, Illinois, took place at what was called the “Wigwam”—a nineteenth century colloquialism for the headquarters of a political campaign. In May 1860, some 12,000 Republican delegates and spectators crowded into the two-story rectangular structure, shown here, to select their candidate for president in the fall election. Music publisher Oliver Ditson and Company of Boston, Massachusetts, produced the “The ‘Wigwam’ Grand March” after Abraham Lincoln won the Republican Party nomination for president. During the Civil War, Ditson released a number of popular songs, including the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”</p>