The Libertarian Party Began in Colorado
David Nolan and several friends got together in Colorado during the summer of 1971 to form what would become the Libertarian Party. They were disgusted with President Richard Nixon who announced to the public the implementation of wage and price controls, which basically removed the gold standard and allowed the government to impose inflation easier. Other pressing political concerns included the ‘illegal’ Vietnam War, loss of fiscal conservative direction of the Republican Party and the socialist directions of the Democrat Party. The group started a think tank to come up with a better political solution for real limited government and individual freedom.
The group had many preliminary meetings in Westminster, Colorado and decided to start sending letters across the country to libertarian minded people. They decided that if they received 100 positive responses, they would move forward with a new political party.
After receiving overwhelming responses, on December 11, 1971, David Nolan and seven other friends met at the home of Luke Zell in Colorado Springs to officially form the United States Libertarian Party. The group held a press conference early the following year to announce the new “Libertarian Party,” which amazingly the mass press welcomed.
Today
The Libertarian Party is the 3rd largest political party in the United States. Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments attempt to place roadblocks and barriers to keep Libertarian candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice. Libertarians believe the answer to America’s political problems is a fundamental commitment to freedom and voluntary interactions between individuals: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
What began with a small group of activists in Colorado has become America’s third largest political party. We are the only political organization which respects you as a unique and competent individual.