A Chapter from the Local History of Knownothingism: Article by George H. Haynes takes a look at the career of the Worcester (Massachusetts) Council of the American Party. As page images or scanned text. [The New England Magazine]
A Defence of the American Policy: 1856 book by Thomas R. Whitney seeks to warn native-born Americans of the danger of Roman Catholic influence. Chronicles the rise of the Know-Nothings, particularly in New York. Page images.
A Know-Nothing Legislature: At a distance of four decades, George H. Haynes looks back on the Massachusetts state legislature of 1855, in which a secret political organization had won more than 90 percent of the seats. Searchable page images. [The New England Magazine]
A Voice to America: 1855 book by Thomas Bangs Thorpe is an apologia for the American Party. Searchable page images.
American Platform of Principles: Adopted by the American Party at its 1856 convention in Philadelphia.
Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy: William Gannaway Brownlow's book tries to stir native voters to the cause of the American Party in the election year 1856. Searchable page images.
Encyclopedia Americana: Know-Nothing Movement: Article on the 19th-century nativist party and movement.
Examiner's Questions for Admittance to the American (or Know-Nothing) Party: Image of handwritten ritual for swearing in a new member. Also some background information on the party.
Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia: Know-Nothing Party: Article on this nineteenth-century anti-immigration and anti-Catholic political party.
Handbook of Texas: American Party: Article on the Know-Nothings in Texas.
I Know Nothing!: Article on the Know-Nothings, some of their prominent members, and their fear that the Vatican planned to take Cincinnati by military force.
Know-Nothing Party, 1850s: Image of handwritten four-point party platform.
Know-Nothing People: An explanation for older kids of why some Americans in the nineteenth century started the Know-Nothing Party.
Know-Nothingism: Lengthy critical article on the allure of the Know-Nothings. Searchable page images. [The United States Democratic Review]
Knownothingism: Article from the Catholic Encyclopedia on the 1850s anti-immigrant movement.
On the Know-Nothing Party: Letter by Abraham Lincoln written August 24, 1855.
Startling Facts for Native Americans Called "Know-Nothings": 1855 book warns of a foreign Catholic conspiracy to eradicate American liberty. Searchable page images.
The American Party ("Know-Nothings") Pledge: Also some information on the party's activities and influence in Kentucky.
The Breakdown of the Party System: The rise of the Know-Nothings marked the demise of the two-party system of the mid-nineteenth century, and was followed by regional political parties.
The Cloven Foot: Although the Know-Nothings may seem at first glance to be entirely novel, this article seeks out the political lineage of the dark-lantern organization. Searchable page images. [The United States Democratic Review]
The Fall of the Know-Nothings: Essay by a high school student on the factors which led to the party's demise. In WordPad format.
The Legacy of the Know-Nothings: For teens. Although this political party didn't last for even ten years, its story can show something about America today.
Tricks of the Enemy!: Broadside posted in 1854 in Washington, D.C., to combat the rumor that Archbishop Hughes (of New York) was in town to control foreign and Catholic votes.
Wide-Awake! Romanism: Its Aims and Tendencies: 1854 booklet by Know-Nothing L.W. Granger urges Americans to preserve the Protestant character of the public schools and to safeguard the ballot box from control by foreigners. Searchable page images.
Wikipedia: Know-Nothing Movement: Encyclopedia-style article on this nativist movement. Includes the platform of the American Party.