Jackson County Michigan News & Gossip July 6, 1854 - Commemorated the 152nd birthday of the Republican Party. It was this date when, in Jackson, MI, the Republican Party was founded 'Under the Oaks.' A portion of one of these Oaks, recognized by the The National Arbor Day Foundation as one of the 'Majestic Trees of America,' resides here at Michigan Republican Party headquarters in Lansing. Drawn together as one voice against the evils of slavery, the group of roughly 1,500 Michiganders joined as one party to draft a platform for which they stood. One of the delegates wrote, "This [opposition to slavery] is not a question of party loyalty, but a great fundamental principle of freedom, justice and humanity, a tenet of truth, law and legal right." This bedrock of principles is as true today as it was then, as Republicans lead the way to rid the world of terrorism in the name of liberty and justice. A special placard in a park in downtown Jackson commemorates the historic location "Under the Oaks." If you are ever in the area, I encourage you to visit the spot where our great party found its beginning.