Digitized Content from the North American Phalanx Records | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

The digitized microfilm of North American Phalanx Records, 1843-1855 consists of the Record of the Proceedings of the North American Phalanx, 1843-44, and the minutes of the sessions of the Executive Council and resident members, Jan. 5 - Feb. 1, 1847, along with other various administrative documents, 1843-55.

The North American Phalanx was an experiment in secular utopian socialist commune life, established in September 1843 in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey. The complex’s vital mill was destroyed by a fire in September 1854, which ended the experiment. The community was the longest-running of about 30 Fourierist Associations in the United States. Prominent members of the North American Phalanx included Albert Brisbane and Horace Greeley, who were two leading members of the Fourierist movement.

The digitized content contains their constitution, meeting minutes, account books, correspondences, newspaper clippings, and publications relating to the North American Phalanx and research on the Fourierist movement.

The North American Phalanx Records were completely digitized in 2023. Items are available online at the University of Illinois Digital Library. A preservation copy of the items is available to IHLC and digital preservation staff at the Library Digital Repository: https://medusa.library.illinois.edu/collections/2128.