20 Facts About Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination

The Night at Ford's Theatre

Abraham Lincoln's assassination is one of the most significant events in American history. It happened on a night that was supposed to be filled with joy and entertainment.

1. On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln attended a play titled "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
2. Lincoln was accompanied by his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, Major Henry Rathbone, and Rathbone's fiancée, Clara Harris.
3. The President had been invited to the theatre by the play's lead actress, Laura Keene.
4. Lincoln had a premonition about his death and shared it with his bodyguard, Ward Hill Lamon, days before the assassination.

John Wilkes Booth: The Assassin

John Wilkes Booth was a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer. His actions on that fateful night changed the course of American history.

5. Booth was a famous actor and part of a prominent theatrical family.
6. He was a staunch supporter of the Confederacy and strongly opposed Lincoln's policies.
7. Booth had originally planned to kidnap Lincoln but changed his plan to assassination after the Confederacy's defeat.
8. He gained access to the President's box at Ford's Theatre by using his fame and charm to avoid suspicion.

The Fatal Shot

The moment that ended Lincoln's life was both shocking and tragic. Booth's actions were swift and deadly.

9. Booth entered Lincoln's box at around 10:15 PM, during the play's third act.
10. He shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a .44 caliber Derringer pistol.
11. Major Rathbone attempted to stop Booth but was stabbed in the arm during the struggle.
12. Booth leaped from the box to the stage, breaking his leg in the process, and shouted "Sic semper tyrannis!" (Thus always to tyrants).

The Aftermath

The immediate aftermath of the assassination was chaotic and filled with confusion. Lincoln's death sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

13. Lincoln was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he remained in a coma for several hours.
14. He was attended by several doctors, including Dr. Charles Leale, who was the first to reach him.
15. Lincoln died at 7:22 AM on April 15, 1865, making him the first U.S. president to be assassinated.
16. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton famously said, "Now he belongs to the ages," upon Lincoln's death.

The Hunt for Booth

The search for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators was one of the largest manhunts in American history.

17. Booth fled the theatre and escaped Washington, D.C., with the help of accomplices.
18. He was tracked down 12 days later to a farm in Virginia.
19. Booth was cornered in a barn and refused to surrender, leading to a standoff.
20. He was eventually shot by Union soldier Boston Corbett and died from his wounds.

Lincoln's Legacy Lives On

Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, marked a tragic end to a remarkable life. John Wilkes Booth's actions shocked a nation still healing from the Civil War. Despite his untimely death, Lincoln's legacy endures. His leadership during one of America's darkest periods, his dedication to abolishing slavery, and his vision for a united country continue to inspire. The facts surrounding his assassination remind us of the fragility of peace and the impact one individual can have on history. Lincoln's story isn't just about his death but his enduring influence on American values and ideals. As we reflect on these facts, let's remember the lessons from his life and strive to uphold the principles he championed. Lincoln's legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of resilience, unity, and justice.