Campaign Torch Helmet, circa 1888

Late-nineteenth-century political parties rallied their followers by holding torchlight parades. Organizers raised banners, decorated wagons and sought out bands, uniformed precision marchers and groups of local supporters to take part in the hours-long event. Many in these nighttime parades carried political lanterns or lamps, while other enthusiastic participants might have worn torchlights attached to their hats or helmets.