Antimasonic Party (Suffolk County, Mass.)

The Antimasonic party, the first significant third party in American politics, was founded in 1826 in western New York and soon spllied to the neighboring states. The party aspired to counter the supposed political influence of Freemasonry. The Antimasonic party of Massachusetts held their first convention in Dec. 1829 - Jan., 1830. At Baltimore, in 1831, Anti-Masons held the first national nominating convention, and issued the first written party platform. In 1834 they helped form the Whig Party.

From the description of Papers of Antimasonic Party of Suffolk County, Mass., 1821-1834 (bulk 1828-1830). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122545622