Ripon, Wisconsin: Birthplace of the Republican Party
First mass meeting, held on March 20, 1854, where the assembled in the Little White Schoolhouse decided to form a new party named "Republican." Historical marker out front, and a Birthplace sign above the front door. Jackson, Michigan, and Crawfordsville, Iowa, make similar claims, but Ripon seems the most officially recognized.
- Address:
- 303 Blackburn St., Ripon, WI
- Directions:
- Corner of Blossom St. and CR E
- Hours:
- Tour school by appt. Daily Jun-Labor Day, Weekends in May, Sep, Oct. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 920-748-6764
- Admission:
- Adults $2
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Visitor Tips and News About Birthplace of the Republican Party
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Ripon is also home to Ripon College, where Harrison Ford studied. I understand that he still visits the area while attending the EAA in Oshkosh.
[Mike, 10/20/2011]
North from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, follow US Highways 41/45 north to Fond du lac, on the southern shores of beautiful Lake Winnebago, sturgeon spearing capital of, I think Wisconsin, maybe, then travel west on Wisconsin 23 to Ripon, home of Rip'n Good Cookies and some other stuff, notably the Little White School House, birthplace of the Republican Party. There's quite a few signs to read and a whole bunch of flags of the good ol' USA snapping smartly in the breeze.
[TOPH2NZ, 06/03/1998]April 2012: Photo added.
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April 2012: Photo added.