33 Facts About Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln

The Night of the Assassination

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most shocking events in American history. Here are some intriguing facts about that fateful night.

1. Lincoln's Assassination Date: Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, which was Good Friday.
2. Location: The assassination took place at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
3. Play Being Performed: The play being performed was "Our American Cousin," a popular comedy of the time.
4. Lincoln's Company: Lincoln attended the play with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, Major Henry Rathbone, and Clara Harris.
5. Booth's Entry: John Wilkes Booth, the assassin, entered Lincoln's private box unnoticed.
6. The Fatal Shot: Booth shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a .44 caliber Derringer pistol.
7. Booth's Escape: After shooting Lincoln, Booth leaped onto the stage, breaking his leg in the process, but still managed to escape.

The Assassin: John Wilkes Booth

John Wilkes Booth was not just any assassin. He was a well-known actor with strong Confederate sympathies.

8. Booth's Background: Booth came from a famous acting family and was a successful actor himself.
9. Confederate Sympathizer: Booth was a staunch supporter of the Confederacy and vehemently opposed Lincoln's policies.
10. Previous Kidnapping Plot: Booth had previously plotted to kidnap Lincoln but failed.
11. Booth's Co-Conspirators: Booth did not act alone; he had a group of co-conspirators who planned to kill other key government officials.
12. Booth's Last Words: After being cornered and shot, Booth's last words were reportedly, "Useless, useless."

The Immediate Aftermath

The moments and days following Lincoln's assassination were chaotic and filled with grief and confusion.

13. Lincoln's Death: Lincoln died the following morning, April 15, 1865, at 7:22 AM.
14. Dr. Charles Leale: Dr. Charles Leale was the first doctor to attend to Lincoln after he was shot.
15. Petersen House: Lincoln was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he eventually died.
16. Nation in Mourning: News of Lincoln's death plunged the nation into deep mourning.
17. Mary Todd Lincoln's Grief: Mary Todd Lincoln was inconsolable and never fully recovered from her husband's death.
18. Andrew Johnson's Swearing-In: Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in as President shortly after Lincoln's death.

The Hunt for Booth

The manhunt for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators was one of the largest in U.S. history.

19. Booth's Escape Route: Booth fled to Maryland and then to Virginia, evading capture for 12 days.
20. Garrett Farm: Booth was eventually found hiding in a barn at Garrett Farm in Virginia.
21. Booth's Capture: Union soldiers set the barn on fire to force Booth out. He was shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett.
22. Booth's Co-Conspirators: Several of Booth's co-conspirators were captured and brought to trial.

The Trial and Execution of Conspirators

The trial of Booth's co-conspirators was a significant event, leading to several executions.

23. Military Tribunal: The conspirators were tried by a military tribunal rather than a civilian court.
24. Mary Surratt: Mary Surratt became the first woman executed by the U.S. government for her role in the conspiracy.
25. Lewis Powell: Lewis Powell, who attacked Secretary of State William Seward, was also executed.
26. David Herold: David Herold, who assisted Booth in his escape, was executed.
27. George Atzerodt: George Atzerodt, who was supposed to kill Vice President Johnson but lost his nerve, was executed.

Lincoln's Legacy

Lincoln's assassination had a profound impact on the nation and his legacy.

28. National Grief: Lincoln's death united the North in grief and anger.
29. Funeral Train: Lincoln's body was transported by a funeral train that traveled through several states, allowing thousands to pay their respects.
30. Lincoln's Burial: He was buried in Springfield, Illinois, his hometown.
31. Impact on Reconstruction: Lincoln's death altered the course of Reconstruction, leading to harsher policies toward the South.
32. Memorials: Numerous memorials and monuments have been erected in Lincoln's honor, including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
33. Enduring Legacy: Lincoln is remembered as one of America's greatest presidents, known for his leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to end slavery.

The Lasting Impact of Lincoln's Assassination

Lincoln's assassination wasn't just a tragic event; it reshaped American history. His death left the nation in shock, altering the course of Reconstruction and the healing process after the Civil War. John Wilkes Booth's act of violence aimed to revive the Confederacy, but instead, it united the North and South in mourning.

The assassination also highlighted the need for better security for public officials. It led to the creation of the Secret Service, initially to combat counterfeiting but later to protect the President. Lincoln's legacy, marked by his dedication to unity and equality, continues to inspire generations.

Understanding these facts helps us appreciate the profound impact of that fateful night at Ford's Theatre. Lincoln's vision for America lives on, reminding us of the enduring struggle for justice and equality.