Tomorrow, (Sunday, November 6th) step back in time to the Presidential Elections of 1836 and join the Historic Village at Allaire as they cast their votes! Members of the public are invited to do their patriotic duty and join the residents of James P. Allaire’s Howell Iron Works in deciding the fate of our young nation. Vote wisely however, for things were not as “organized” as they are now; and you may find yourself tugged in different directions by the candidates’ argumentative “representatives”!
What were the “current events” of the 1830′s? Our foundling country was on the brink of turmoil in 1836. Andrew Jackson, the current president, had vetoed the charter for the Bank of the United States two years earlier and the country was on the verge of a depression (known as the Panic of 1837). Abolitionists were gaining a strong foothold in the National Political scene. Immigrants were pouring into the country while “native-born” Americans feared losing their employment. Other hot topics included the War with Mexico, National Currency, Texas’ wish to annex, the Fall of the Alamo, women’s right to vote, and more! The Villagers will be debating these issues and will be more than happy to discuss (and argue!) them with visitors!
Who were the candidates? Democrat Martin Van Buren offered himself as the heir to Andrew Jackson, candidate of the people, primising a continuation of the Jacksonian policies. Many of the nation’s voters who loved “Old Hickory” were quite content to vote for Van Buren. Van Buren also had the benefit of a well-organized and disciplined Democratic Party inw hich he himself had helped to build. The oppositional Whig Party, however, was still in its infancy and lacked the maturity, ideology, and organization of the Democrats.
Who will YOU be voting for?
Without the unity to hold a national convention, or even to settle on a single candidate, the Whigs ran three regional contenders: Daniel Webster of Massachusetts int he East, Hugh White, the senator from Tennessee in the South, and the party forefrunner, William Henry Harrison of Ohio in the West. Despite its shortcomings, however, the Whigs did offer stiff competition to the Democratic Van Buren. A party of the elite, the Whigs regarded their opposition as little more than a party stooge and warned that his election would only continue the flawed policies of, what they deemed, the monarchical Jackson.
The polls will open at 1:00pm under the tent at the Carpenter’s Shop and will close at 3:30pm. After the polls are closed the votes will be counted, and the results will be announced soon after!
In addition to the voting, our women visitors will be rallying for their own right to vote. Visitors are encouraged to join them in their cause! There will also be a special eulogy for former President James Madison, who had passed away in June of 1836 at 1:00 & 2:30pm.
Program researched & written by Ralph Cretella, Intern; and Derek Cardinale, Volunteer Coordinator
Hope to see you out there!
-Hannah
