1856 Presidential Election

James Buchanan won the 1856 presidential election with 174 of 296 electoral votes, defeating John C. Frémont (114) by a margin of 60 electoral votes. Explore the full interactive map below.

Electoral Vote Results

James Buchanan
James Buchanan 174 EV
John C. Frémont
John C. Frémont 114 EV
Millard Fillmore
Millard Fillmore 8 EV

296 total electoral votes · 149 needed to win.

Election Details

Winner
James Buchanan
Runner-Up
John C. Frémont
EV Margin
60
Needed To Win
149

The 1856 map includes 296 electoral votes across 3 candidates with electoral votes.

1856 Election Background

James Buchanan won the 1856 presidential election with 174 electoral votes. John C. Frémont finished second with 114 electoral votes. This page combines the interactive historical electoral map with a compact election summary.

Key Notes

  • The map records 296 total electoral votes and 3 candidates with electoral votes.
  • 149 electoral votes were needed for a majority in this election.
  • The electoral vote margin between the top two candidates was 60.
  • Use the interactive map above to inspect the state-by-state electoral result and explore alternate outcomes.