In the 1864 election Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson ran on the Republican (National Union) Party ticket against George McClellan and George Pendleton on the Democratic ticket.
Chicago and Baltimore Platforms in German (1864) by Library of CongressPresident Lincoln's Cottage
Platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties printed in German. Immigrants made up 13% of the U.S. population in 1860 and held the power to determine the outcome of elections.
Tap to explore
Over 5000 soldiers were buried at what is now the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery during the Civil War. The cemetery is located a few hundred yards from President Lincoln's Cottage.
Grave site of Seneca Bragg one of the many soldiers buried at the Soldiers' Home National Cemetery. The cemetery - the 1st national cemetery in the U.S. - was visited by President Lincoln.
Lincoln Accepts Chase Resignation (1864-06-28) by Abraham Lincoln and Library of CongressPresident Lincoln's Cottage
Abraham Lincoln accepts the resignation of Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase, a prominent member of the radical wing of the Republican Party, which often viewed Lincoln with suspicion.
Located in Washington, DC, Fort Stevens was the scene of a July 1864 battle between Union and Confederate forces. Although a Union victory, the battle heightened Northern war weariness.
Fernando Wood Telegram (1864-09-10) by Fernando Wood and Library of CongressPresident Lincoln's Cottage
"Copperhead" Democrat congressman Fernando Wood requests a meeting with Abraham Lincoln at the Cottage to discuss the presidential election. Wood was a notable supporter of conciliation and slavery.
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass met with Abraham Lincoln at the White House on August 19, 1864, to discuss the election and how to best ensure emancipation should Lincoln not win re-election.
President Lincoln's Cottage - Drawing Room (2009) by President Lincoln's CottagePresident Lincoln's Cottage
After meeting Douglass at the White House, Lincoln returned to the Cottage that same evening for a meeting with Alexander Randall discussing the bravery of African American troops in the Union Army.
After a long summer of discontent, General Sherman's capture of Atlanta and its railroad hub on September 2, 1864, dramatically boasted Lincoln's re-election hopes.
Republican Party advertisement from Michigan urging voters to re-elect Abraham Lincoln on November 8, 1864.
Sticking to his pledge of reunion and abolition, Lincoln wins re-election on November 8, 1864, with 55% of the popular vote.
Images used courtesy of President Lincoln's Cottage, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives and Records Administration.
