Giddings Law Office photograph   Save
Ohio Department of Industrial and Economic Development
Description: Photograph of the Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office, a National Historic Landmark in Jefferson, Ohio. Giddings (1795-1864) was a prominent abolitionist as well as a member of the U.S. Congress. The office was constructed adjacent to his home, the porch of which can be seen on the left-hand side of the image. The text of the historical marker reads "Joshua Reed Giddings here wrote the Republican party's first national platform, adopted at Philadelphia, June 17th, 1856. Member of Congress 1838-1858. In 1842 he defied the Atherton Gag Rule, prohibiting discussion of slavery on the floor. Censured by the House, given no opportunity for defense, he resigned. His overwhelming re-election five weeks later, and renewed defiance, restored Constitutional freedom of speech in our American Congress. Pioneer, soldier, author, patriot and statesman, a founder of the National Republican Party." The structure is alternately identified as the Law Office of Wade & Jefferson. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00311
Subjects: Ashtabula County (Ohio); Abolitionists -- Ohio; Law offices--Ohio; United States. Congress. House; National Register of Historic Places
Places: Jefferson (Ohio); Ashtabula County (Ohio)