Welcome to the Birthplace of the Republican Party. The Little White Schoolhouse is a National Historic Site that celebrates the founding at a local level of the Republican Party. This modest little school was built in Ripon in 1853 and served the school district until about 1860. It is an 1853 wooden frame one-room school building built in the classic Greek style museum featuring local history and national political history. Various souvenirs, postcards, and notecards are available along with historical tours and information regarding Ripon, Ripon's history, and political history. They welcome visitors of all ages, families, and school groups. Call for a tour to learn more about Ripon's amazing history.