35 Facts About John Surratt

Early Life of John Surratt

John Surratt's early years set the stage for his later involvement in one of the most infamous plots in American history. Here are some intriguing details about his beginnings.

1. Born on April 13, 1844, in Washington, D.C., John Surratt was the youngest of three children.
2. His father, John Harrison Surratt Sr., was a successful businessman who owned a tavern and a farm.
3. John attended St. Charles College in Maryland, where he studied for the priesthood before the Civil War disrupted his plans.
4. His mother, Mary Surratt, was a devout Catholic and ran a boarding house in Washington, D.C., which became a meeting place for Confederate sympathizers.

Involvement in the Civil War

John Surratt's life took a dramatic turn during the Civil War. His actions during this period would forever link him to a dark chapter in American history.

5. Surratt served as a Confederate courier and spy, using his knowledge of the terrain to deliver messages across enemy lines.
6. He was introduced to John Wilkes Booth, the famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, through mutual acquaintances.
7. Booth recruited Surratt to join his plot to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln, hoping to exchange him for Confederate prisoners.
8. The kidnapping plan failed, leading Booth to devise a more sinister plot to assassinate Lincoln.

The Lincoln Assassination Plot

John Surratt's role in the assassination plot remains a subject of historical debate. Here are key facts about his involvement.

9. Surratt was in Washington, D.C., on the night of Lincoln's assassination, April 14, 1865.
10. He claimed to have been in Elmira, New York, at the time, but evidence suggests otherwise.
11. Surratt's mother, Mary, was arrested and later executed for her role in the conspiracy.
12. John fled the country, traveling to Canada, then to Europe, to evade capture.

Life on the Run

John Surratt's escape from justice took him across continents. His journey was filled with close calls and narrow escapes.

13. He assumed the alias "John Watson" while hiding in Canada.
14. Surratt worked as a teacher in Montreal, blending into the local community.
15. He traveled to Liverpool, England, and then to Rome, Italy, where he joined the Papal Zouaves, a military unit.
16. U.S. authorities tracked him down in Rome, leading to his arrest in November 1866.

Trial and Later Years

John Surratt's trial and subsequent life were marked by controversy and intrigue. Here are the final chapters of his story.

17. Surratt was extradited to the United States and stood trial in 1867.
18. His trial ended in a hung jury, with eight jurors voting for acquittal and four for conviction.
19. Surratt was released and lived a relatively quiet life thereafter.
20. He worked as a teacher, lecturer, and eventually a freight agent for the Baltimore Steam Packet Company.
21. John Surratt married Mary Victorine Hunter in 1872, and they had seven children.
22. He died on April 21, 1916, in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 72.

Legacy and Historical Impact

John Surratt's life continues to fascinate historians and the public alike. His story offers a unique perspective on the Civil War and its aftermath.

23. Surratt's involvement in the Lincoln assassination plot has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.
24. His trial highlighted the complexities of post-Civil War justice and the challenges of prosecuting conspirators.
25. Surratt's mother, Mary, became the first woman executed by the U.S. federal government, a fact that still sparks debate.
26. His escape and capture demonstrated the global reach of American law enforcement in the 19th century.
27. Surratt's life story provides insight into the motivations and actions of Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the major events, there are many lesser-known facts about John Surratt that add depth to his story.

28. Surratt was one of the last surviving members of the Lincoln assassination conspiracy.
29. He maintained his innocence regarding the assassination plot until his death.
30. Surratt's memoirs, published posthumously, offer a personal account of his experiences and thoughts.
31. His family remained divided over his actions, with some defending him and others condemning his involvement.
32. Surratt's story has inspired fictional portrayals in literature and film, reflecting his enduring legacy.
33. His life serves as a reminder of the turbulent times during and after the Civil War.
34. Surratt's actions had a lasting impact on his family, particularly his mother, whose execution remains controversial.
35. The boarding house run by Mary Surratt is now a museum, preserving the history of the Lincoln assassination conspiracy.

The Legacy of John Surratt

John Surratt's life remains a fascinating chapter in American history. His involvement in the Lincoln assassination plot, his daring escape, and eventual capture make for a gripping tale. Despite his acquittal, his story continues to spark debates among historians and enthusiasts alike.

Surratt's actions and their consequences highlight the turbulent times during and after the Civil War. His mother's execution and his own trial underscore the intense emotions and political tensions of the era.

Understanding Surratt's life offers a window into the complexities of loyalty, justice, and the human spirit during one of America's most challenging periods. His legacy, whether seen as that of a misguided youth or a committed conspirator, serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impacts of historical events on individual lives.