Anti-Masonic << `an` tee muh SON ihk, >> Party, was an American political organization that was active during the late 1820’s and early 1830’s. It was one of the earliest American third party movements. The movement began in 1826 when William Morgan, a New York Mason, disappeared mysteriously after threatening to reveal Masonic secrets. Many people believed Masons had kidnapped and murdered him. Anti-Masonic feelings swept through New York and nearby states, and a political party was organized.
In 1831, the Anti-Masonic Party held the first national nominating convention in United States history. The party’s presidential candidate, William Wirt, received only seven electoral votes in the 1832 election. However, the Anti-Masonic Party won the Vermont governorship and elected several congressmen. The party then declined. Most of its members joined the Whig Party.
