The Republican Party was first founded to free the slaves. Its first President was Abraham Lincoln.

President Lincoln signed the legislation protecting Yosemite Valley in 1864 - the first area preserved as a national park in history. In 1872, President Grant (another Republican) protected Yellowstone, thus starting our entire National Park system.

Republicans were at the forefront of the American Woman's Suffrage and Civil Rights movements. They also elected the first woman senator and black congressman and Hispanic California Governor.

President Reagan appointed the first woman to the Supreme Court.