The Industrial Congress was founded in 1845, at which time a constitution was approved. The organization's founding principles included the inalienable rights to life, education, and property. The organization, which did not claim to be a political party, sought to establish a hierarchy of associations to sustain its principles.

The Pennsylvania chapter, in order to clarify the group's principles, adopted a set of objects as follow: 1) Limitations on the amount of land a person could own; 2) exemption of homesteads from mortgages or debt; 3) provide free public land to settlers; 4) restrictions on labor to 10 hours in any day; and 5) requirement that all members will only vote for candidates who sign a pledge to the group's objectives.

The IC National Convention, 1848

The Industrial Congress held its only national nominating convention on 6/7-10/1848 in the Wilbur Fisk Hall, Sixth and Haines Streets, Philadelphia PA. The convention was called for the same time as the Whig National Convention, held elsewhere in the city.

On the first day, the convention was organized. David Bryant of Boston was chosen to preside. After a lengthy presentation of credentials, the convention discussed how to proceed regarding the upcoming presidential election.

The second day was primarily taken up by a discussion of the 1848 election. A group called the National Reformers sought to nominate a separate and independent ticket. The other group favored the original policy of questioning major party nominees and making a recommendation to the membership. The most important speech on the issue was given by Fanny L. Townsend of Providence, Rhode Island, who was the only female delegate. At the end of the day, the convention approved a resolution commending Pennsylvania Governor Francis Shunk for signing a bill to limit workers to ten hours per day.

On the final day, the convention voted to nominate a separate ticket. The unanimous choice was Gerrit Smith for President and William S. Wait of Illinois for Vice President [Philadelphia Public Ledger, 6/8-10/1848].

Campaign

Industrial Congress leaders organized a public meeting in Philadelphia on 6/14/1848. At this meeting, its leaders spoke in favor of free soil principles and a "landed democracy" [Philadelphia Public Ledger, 6/15/1848]. The movement seems to have fizzled soon thereafter, since it failed to nominate any slates of Presidential Electors or hold later conventions.

Popular Vote of 1848

Electoral Vote of 1848