On this day in 1860 Republican candidate for President, Abraham Lincoln won election against 3 opponents. Lincoln from Illinois became the Republican Parties first POTUS.

There were 4 candidates in this election. Lincoln carried 18 states and 180 electoral votes. Lincoln’s support came from across the northern part of the country. The Democrats were split that year, they had two candidates the sitting Vice-President John Breckenridge from the south-carried the south 11 states 73 electoral votes. Stephen Douglas was the other Democrat. “The Little Giant” who had defeated Lincoln in the Illinois U.S. Senate race two years earlier won only one state 12 electoral votes. John Bell from the Constitutional Union Party won 3 border states and 39 electoral votes. The Lincoln victory meant Civil War to the south who found him unacceptable.

America was at the time of crisis. 152 years ago if you would have looked at Lincoln’s resume it couldn’t have inspired much confidence. Turns out he was the right man at the right time.