Anti-Masonic Party holds the first national nominating convention

Background. The Anti-Masonic Party was the earliest third party in the United States, formally opposing Freemasonry. Active from the late 1820s, it expanded its platform to include internal improvements and protective tariffs. By 1830, the movement had spread to neighboring states, becoming strong in Pennsylvania and Vermont, setting the stage for a national convention.

The Convention. The party conducted the first presidential nominating convention in United States history for the 1832 elections. The event took place in Baltimore, the most populous city in Maryland. Delegates chose former U.S. attorney general William Wirt as their standard bearer, despite his known membership in Freemasonry, suggesting opposition to Masonry was not the sole issue.

Significance. The convention established the practice of national nominating conventions, which was subsequently adopted by all major parties. The Anti-Masonic Party nominated William Wirt for president and Amos Ellmaker for vice president. This event marked a significant development in American political organization, occurring before the 1832 election.