Election Presidentielle Aux États-Unis

This historical engraving depicts the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 1864, the day of the presidential election during the American Civil War. The scene captures a lively atmosphere with citizens, horse-drawn carriages, and soldiers gathered in the square. This election was a pivotal moment in American history, as incumbent President Abraham Lincoln faced Democratic challenger George B. McClellan. Lincoln's victory ensured the continuation of his policies, including the push for the abolition of slavery and the Union's commitment to winning the war.

The U.S. Capitol in this engraving serves as a powerful backdrop to the historic 1864 presidential election. At the time, the Capitol was still undergoing major construction, particularly the dome, which was completed in 1866. The image showcases the nearly finished structure, with the iron dome standing prominently but still a relatively new addition. The original wooden dome had been replaced with cast iron beginning in the 1850s, a project that continued through the Civil War.

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