Hayes/Wheeler Campaign Ribbon, 1876

Hayes, Rutherford B.

The 1876 presidential election drew the highest turnout of eligible voters in American history, nearly 82%. These massive numbers were recruited by popular marching clubs which encouraged young supporters to join social organizations in support of their candidate. This ribbon demonstrates the support of some Republican marchers for their candidate Rutherford B. Hayes and his vice president William Wheeler. Ultimately, this ticket was successful – despite losing the popular vote to Samuel Tilden’s Democrats, Congress eventually gave the presidency to Hayes after a complex and contested election.