In Augusta clusters of contiguous precincts gave their support in the 1860 presidential election in similar patterns.
Whigs accounted for the most visible party activists in Augusta County, but activists in both parties exerted significant
influence.
Precincts in Augusta that supported Breckinridge at a high level in 1860 represented the extremes of wealth, as the wealthiest
and the poorest precincts drew more support for Breckinridge than any other precincts.
The precincts with high Bell support had average household wealth and farm value well below county averages. For these marginal
places a vote for Bell represented a safe course, the least change.
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