Wigwam
Elementary
Wigwam
Student Activities:
Students draw a picture of what a wigwam looks like to them. Compare it to the image in the photo.
Research and discuss why this building was referred to as the Wigwam?
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What is a convention and who might attend a convention?
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What is the purpose of a political convention?
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The Wigwam was built particularly for a political convention and was demolished just a few
years later. What does this say about the importance placed on a convention?
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The Wigwam was somewhat short-lived, although it was the site of Abraham Lincoln’s
nomination for the presidency and later it housed soldiers in the Civil War. In your opinion,
should this building have been preserved for as long as possible in honor of its historic usage?
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Simulated election: (see activities under Ballot/Ticket for beginning a simulation). Divide
students in 3 or 4 groups. Instruct them to write a script and produce a campaign commercial to
support their candidate or platform. Students should video the presentation of each commercial.
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Wigwam
Etymology: Indian term—place of focus and learning
Compare and Contrast: Students will research, then compare and contrast the structure of the building known
as the Wigwam in both cultures/time periods: Wigwam in Chicago for the national convention and the Native
American Wigwam.
Research: What happened to the Wigwam (1860) located in Chicago, IL? Is the building still standing today?
If not, what is in its location now?
Writing: Unlike today, major candidates did not attend the national convention in 1860 and left the “politics” to
others. Have students write either: An acceptance speech for Lincoln or a Diary entry of his reaction to the news
that he won the Republican Nomination for the Presidency.
Research and Discussion: Have students research how
presidential candidates were chosen in Lincoln’s time in
contrast to how they are chosen today. Make sure that
students research both the major political parties and minor
party methods of choosing a candidate.
Map: Chicago, Illinois UnderHisHat.org 2 High School
Wigwam
Discussion: Ask Students: Why would Chicago want to host the 1860 Republican Convention, especially since
the leading nominee was William Seward of New York?
Research and Discussion: Have students research how presidential candidates were chosen in Lincoln’s time
in contrast to how they are chosen today. Make sure that students research both the major political parties and
minor party methods of choosing a candidate.
Research: What became of the Wigwam after the Republican convention? (1869 article in Chicago Tribune
newspaper)
Research: On the first ballot of the convention the results were:
• William H. Seward - 173.5
• Abraham Lincoln - 102
• Edwin Bates - 88
• Simon Cameron - 50
• Salmon Chase - 49
Have students research the Cabinet positions that each of these opponents was placed in when Lincoln was
eventually elected.
Research: Lincoln eventually wins the presidential nomination on the third ballot of the convention. It has
often been said that this was a result of “Politics Chicago Style”. Have students research what happened at the
convention that allowed Lincoln to win the nomination. What is inferred by “Chicago style politics” today?
(ChicagoTribune.com- May 18, 1860- Kenan Heise- Politics Chicago Style puts Lincoln Over Top)
Writing: Unlike today, major candidates did not attend the national convention in 1860 and left the “politics” to
others. Have students write either: An acceptance speech for Lincoln or a Diary entry of his reaction to the news
that he won the Republican Nomination for the Presidency.
Music: Have students find “The Wigwam Grand March”.
Definition and Question: Have students find the meaning of the word “Wigwam”. Ask students: Why do you
think the Republican Convention called the building the “Wigwam”?
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