Silk Political Ribbon of the Native American Republican Association, 1844

An original 1844 white silk political ribbon from the Native American Republican Association, commemorating the Philadelphia nativist riots in Kensington. The ribbon features black lithographed patriotic symbols. The riots, occurring in May 1844, involved deadly clashes between nativist groups and Irish Catholic immigrants, resulting in deaths and destruction of property. This ribbon reflects the anti-immigrant sentiment of the Know-Nothing movement. The accompanying textual description provides extensive historical context on the riots, the Know-Nothing movement, and the prominent role of Lewis Charles Levin, a first-generation American Jew who was elected to Congress and later became a leader in the movement.

Associated People/Businesses

• Levin, Lewis Charles (1808-1860)

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Nativism
• Anti-Catholicism
• Emigration and immigration law

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 8, Folder 11