George Henry Boker

The Civil War was a defining moment for many in Philadelphia. It was the War that changed Boker from a Democrat to an ardent Republican, embracing the party’s principals that led to the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Boker’s name is closely interwoven with the rehabilitation of the Republican Party in Philadelphia. When the Union League of Philadelphia was founded in 1862, Boker was the leading spirit and it was through his efforts that both sentiments and support towards the Union cause prevailed in Philadelphia. His efforts forged opportunities for Catto and other leading African American activists to forge strong alliances with leading Republican politicians of the day.