Actually, the American Party, waggishly styled the "Know Nothing" party,
aside from its unfortunate anti-immigration stand, was quite progressive on issues of the day - including an anti-slavery stance- & in many of the States where it was in power enacted very worthwhile legislation.

Hardly the same as the Tea Party - a.k.a. the Raving Looney Party- which operates in a delusional and fact-free environment.