. In 1860, Democrats meeting to choose a presidential candidate in Charleston, South Carolina, wound up

The Democratic National Convention of 1860 was held in Charleston, South Carolina. The convention began on April 23 and included representatives from the seven states that had seceded from the Union. The delegates sought a candidate who was sympathetic to the South's pro-slavery position, but disagreed on a best candidate. Activists from Deep South states wanted Louisiana Senator John C. Breckinridge to be the nominee, while moderates were divided among Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, former Governor Herschel V. Johnson of Georgia and Vice President John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky. After 57 ballots, the convention adjourned on May 3 without a successful resolution. The division among the delegates caused the party to divide, leading to the victory of the Republican ticket in the general election.