I.

Introduction

Tammany Society, also known as the Columbian Order, originally a nationwide U.S. patriotic and charitable organization, devoted to the preservation of democratic institutions, and specifically opposing the aristocratic theories advanced by the Federalist Party; it was later confined to New York City and was identified with the Democratic Party machine there. The Tammany Society is often referred to as Tammany Hall, after the name of its headquarters, which is in New York City.