The Wigwam, Site of Lincoln"s Nomination
Shrewd political maneuvering ensured that Abraham Lincoln received the Republican nomination in 1860.
The Republican Party nominating convention was held in Chicago, Illinois, in May 1860. A large wooden temporary structure nicknamed The Wigwam was built for the convention.
Abraham Lincoln was not expected to receive the nomination, as Senator William Seward of New York was considered the favorite. However, Lincoln and his supporters had a sound strategy: they thought if Seward wasn't nominated on the first ballot, Lincoln would have a chance to pick up more votes on subsequent ballots.
The strategy worked, and Lincoln won the nomination on the third ballot.
Lincoln did not actually attend the convention at The Wigwam. He stayed home in Springfield, Illinois, as it was considered bad form for candidates in that era to appear too eager.
The Republican Party nominating convention was held in Chicago, Illinois, in May 1860. A large wooden temporary structure nicknamed The Wigwam was built for the convention.
Abraham Lincoln was not expected to receive the nomination, as Senator William Seward of New York was considered the favorite. However, Lincoln and his supporters had a sound strategy: they thought if Seward wasn't nominated on the first ballot, Lincoln would have a chance to pick up more votes on subsequent ballots.
The strategy worked, and Lincoln won the nomination on the third ballot.
Lincoln did not actually attend the convention at The Wigwam. He stayed home in Springfield, Illinois, as it was considered bad form for candidates in that era to appear too eager.
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