35 Facts About John Wilkes Booth

Early Life and Background

John Wilkes Booth, a name etched in American history, had a life filled with drama even before his infamous act. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about his early years.

1. Born on May 10, 1838, in Bel Air, Maryland, Booth was the ninth of ten children.
2. His father, Junius Brutus Booth, was a famous British Shakespearean actor.
3. Booth's mother, Mary Ann Holmes, was his father's mistress before they married in 1851.
4. He was named after the radical politician John Wilkes, who was known for his fight for civil liberties.
5. Booth attended the Milton Boarding School for Boys and later St. Timothy's Hall, an Episcopal military academy.

Acting Career

Before becoming infamous, Booth was a well-known actor. His career on stage was marked by both talent and controversy.

6. Booth made his acting debut at age 17 in Baltimore, playing a minor role in "Richard III."
7. He was known for his good looks and charismatic stage presence, often playing romantic leads.
8. By 1860, Booth was one of the most popular actors in the United States.
9. He performed in several Shakespearean plays, including "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Julius Caesar."
10. Booth was a member of the famous Booth family of actors, which included his brothers Edwin and Junius Brutus Booth Jr.

Political Views and Motivations

Booth's political beliefs played a significant role in his actions. Understanding these can shed light on his motivations.

11. Booth was a staunch supporter of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
12. He was vehemently opposed to the abolition of slavery.
13. Booth believed that President Abraham Lincoln was a tyrant who threatened the South's way of life.
14. He was involved in several plots to kidnap Lincoln before deciding on assassination.
15. Booth saw himself as a patriot acting to save the Confederacy.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

The event that made Booth infamous was the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Here are some key facts about that fateful night.

16. Booth shot Lincoln on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
17. He used a .44 caliber Derringer pistol to shoot the President.
18. After shooting Lincoln, Booth leaped onto the stage, breaking his leg in the process.
19. He shouted "Sic semper tyrannis!" (Thus always to tyrants) as he fled the scene.
20. Booth had meticulously planned the assassination, including escape routes and safe houses.

The Manhunt and Death

Booth's escape and the subsequent manhunt were dramatic and intense. His final days were filled with desperation.

21. Booth fled Washington, D.C., on horseback, heading south.
22. He was accompanied by David Herold, a fellow conspirator.
23. Booth and Herold hid in a pine thicket for several days before seeking medical help for Booth's broken leg.
24. Dr. Samuel Mudd, a Confederate sympathizer, set Booth's leg and provided shelter.
25. The manhunt for Booth lasted 12 days and involved thousands of soldiers.

Legacy and Impact

Booth's actions had far-reaching consequences, affecting American history and his own legacy.

26. Booth was cornered in a tobacco barn in Virginia on April 26, 1865.
27. Refusing to surrender, he was shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett and died a few hours later.
28. Booth's body was secretly buried at the Washington Arsenal, later moved to an unmarked grave in the Booth family plot.
29. His assassination of Lincoln plunged the nation into deeper mourning and complicated Reconstruction efforts.
30. Booth's actions have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and conspiracy theories.

Lesser-Known Facts

Even with his infamous act, there are still some surprising and lesser-known facts about Booth.

31. Booth was engaged to Lucy Lambert Hale, the daughter of a U.S. Senator, at the time of the assassination.
32. He was a member of the Know-Nothing Party, which was anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic.
33. Booth had a tattoo of his initials, JWB, on his left hand.
34. He was a skilled swordsman and horseman, often performing his own stunts on stage.
35. Booth's last words were reportedly "Useless, useless," reflecting his despair at the end of his life.

Final Glimpse at John Wilkes Booth

John Wilkes Booth's life was a mix of drama, controversy, and tragedy. Known primarily for assassinating President Abraham Lincoln, Booth was also a famous actor from a well-known theatrical family. His political beliefs and actions left a lasting mark on American history. Booth's escape, capture, and death added layers to his already complex story.

Understanding Booth's motivations and the historical context helps us grasp the impact of his actions. His story serves as a reminder of how individual choices can alter the course of history. Booth's life, though short-lived, remains a fascinating chapter in the American narrative.

By examining these facts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of history and the people who shape it. Booth's legacy, though infamous, continues to intrigue and educate us.