Downtown in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant

January 27, 2023

1. The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant Marker

Inscription.
When, in 1828, Andrew Jackson established the Democratic party and ran for president using the populist slogan, "Let the people rule", his opponents thought him silly and labeled him a "jackass". Jackson, however, picked up on their name calling and turned it to his advantage by using the donkey on his campaign posters. Over the years this donkey has become the accepted symbol of the Democratic party.

The symbol of the Republican party in 1874 was born in the imagination of cartoonist, Thomas Nash, in Harper's Weekly. Soon other cartoonists used the elephant to symbolize Republicans, and eventually, Republicans adopted the elephant as their official symbol.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 42° 21.467′ N, 71° 3.571′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from School Street just west of City Hall Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45 Province St, Boston MA 02108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. School Street Political Life (here, next to this

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marker); Josiah Quincy (a few steps from this marker); Boston Public Latin School (a few steps from this marker); Benjamin Franklin (a few steps from this marker); Electric Fire Alarm System, 1852 (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Boston Public Latin School (a few steps from this marker); Latin School (a few steps from this marker); The Parker House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.

January 27, 2023

2. The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant Marker

Nearby donkey statue image. Click for full size.

January 27, 2023

3. Nearby donkey statue

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2023. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 30, 2023.