Order of United Americans records

1849-1886

The Order of United Americans was formed in New York City in 1944 as a nativist benevolent association of American-born laborers. It quickly attained nationwide membership. Though it did offer some retirement benefits to its members, it was mainly considered a means for disseminating anti-Catholic and anti-foreign propaganda. Many of its tactics and rituals were taken up by the Know-Nothing party in the 1850s Records include correspondence, official notices, programs, orations, and a New York City scrapbook. The volume contains several orations delivered on Washington's birthday. A large gap occurs in the records with nothing inserted between 1867-1874. Also includes a group portrait under separate cover