Jackson in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Under the Oaks

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 29, 2022

1. Under the Oaks Marker

Inscription. On July 6, 1854, a state convention of anti-slavery men was held in Jackson to found a new political party. Uncle Tom’s Cabin had been published two years earlier, causing increased resentment against slavery, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of May, 1854 threatened to make slave states out of previously free territories. Since the convention day was hot and the huge crowd could not be accommodated in the hall, the meeting adjourned to an oakgrove on "Morgan's Forty" on the outskirts of town. Here a state-wide slate of candidates was selected and the Republican party was born. Winning an overwhelming victory in the elections of 1854, the Republican party went on to dominate national politics throughout the nineteenth century.

Erected 1972 by State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number S0015.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1854.

Location. 42° 14.637′ N, 84° 24.976′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Michigan, in Jackson County. It is

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at the intersection of West Franklin Street and Second Street, on the right when traveling west on West Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson MI 49201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Under The Oaks (here, next to this marker); “Under the Oaks” Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Under the Oaks (a few steps from this marker); Jackson County World War I Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Jackson County Spanish War Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Jackson County World War II Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Gold Star Mothers Of Jackson County World War II Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Jackson County Women Of Service Monument (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.

Under the Oaks Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave Wilcox, May 5, 2012

2. Under the Oaks Park

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,698 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 6, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on May 9, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.