United States presidential election, 1856

Electoral College map

The United States presidential election of 1856 saw the election of James Buchanan, a Democrat. It was a three-way race, with the major candidates being James Buchanan, John C. Fremont (Republican), and Millard Fillmore (Know-Nothing.)

James Buchanan's vice-president was John C. Breckenridge.

Slavery was a major issue in the election, with the democrats being largely for it, the republicans being largely against it, and the know-nothings were divided on the issue.

This was the election before the 1860 presidential election, which Abraham Lincoln won.

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  James Buchanan

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  John C. Fremont

United States Presidential Election, 1856 Media

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  James Buchanan, U.S. Secretary of State, March 10, 1845 to March 7, 1849

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  John C. Breckinridge. Library of Congress description: "Breckinridge, Hon. John C. Senator from Ky. General in CSA, Sec of War Confederate Cabinet" *

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  Franklin Pierce, the incumbent president in 1856, whose term expired on March 4, 1857

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  Buchanan/Breckinridge campaign poster

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  William L. Dayton (February 17, 1807 – December 1, 1864) was an

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  Campaign poster of 1856 Republican Candidates for President and Vice President John C. Frémont (left) and William D. Dayton (right).

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  Fremont/Dayton campaign poster

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  Millard Fillmore.

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  Andrew Jackson Donelson (detail of a lithography)