Tammany, Society of, also called the Columbian Order, was incorporated in New York City in 1789 under the leadership of William Mooney. This colonial society, which began as a patriotic fraternity, was named after an early Delaware Indian chief known for his wisdom. The society soon became a major force in New York politics.
During the mid-1800’s, Tammany became the most powerful faction of the Democratic Party in New York. The group’s popular name, Tammany Hall, came from the name of its Manhattan headquarters. Tammany was committed to helping working people and immigrants. However, a number of scandals darkened its history. In 1871, critical media coverage by The New York Times and cartoonist Thomas Nast brought attention to Tammany’s misdeeds. Such coverage led to the arrests and convictions of Tammany boss William M. Tweed and others on charges of defrauding New York City of millions of dollars. But Tammany soon regained its power under such bosses as “Honest” John Kelly and Richard Croker. It remained a political force until the 1930’s, when the reform administration of New York City Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia came to power.
