- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Ripon Today
By the People, for the People
Ripon, Wisconsin Celebrates GOP Birthplace at Museum
Reporter explores the city's role in shaping modern American politics.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:11am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Ripon, Wisconsin is considered the birthplace of the Republican Party, and the city's museum preserves this local history. A reporter from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently visited the museum to learn more about Ripon's influential role in the formation of the GOP and what it means for the city and party today.
Why it matters
As one of the most politically polarized periods in modern American history, understanding the origins and evolution of the two-party system is crucial. Ripon's status as the GOP's birthplace provides a unique window into the party's founding principles and how they have shifted over time.
The details
The Republican Party was founded in Ripon in 1854 by a group of former Whigs who opposed the expansion of slavery. The city's museum chronicles this history, displaying artifacts and information about the party's early days. The reporter spoke with museum staff and local residents to gain insights into Ripon's lasting influence on national politics.
- The Republican Party was founded in Ripon in 1854.
- The Ripon museum preserves this local history and celebrates the city's role in shaping the GOP.
The players
Ripon, Wisconsin
A small city in Wisconsin that is considered the birthplace of the Republican Party, which was founded there in 1854 by a group of former Whigs who opposed the expansion of slavery.
Hope Karnopp
A reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who recently visited Ripon to learn more about the city's influential role in the formation of the Republican Party.
The takeaway
Ripon's status as the birthplace of the Republican Party provides a valuable historical perspective on the evolution of American politics. As the nation grapples with deep partisan divides, understanding the origins and founding principles of the two-party system can offer insights into how to bridge those gaps and strengthen democratic engagement.
