38 Facts About John Surratt – Facts.net

Early Life and Background

John Surratt's early years shaped his future actions and involvement in significant historical events. Here are some intriguing facts about his beginnings.

1. Born on April 13, 1844, in Washington, D.C., John Surratt was the youngest of three children.
2. His mother, Mary Surratt, owned a boarding house that became a meeting place for Confederate sympathizers.
3. John attended St. Charles College in Maryland, where he studied for the priesthood before abandoning his religious aspirations.
4. He became a Confederate courier during the Civil War, using his knowledge of the area to deliver messages.

Involvement in the Lincoln Assassination Plot

John Surratt's role in the conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln is a crucial part of his story. These facts highlight his involvement.

5. John Surratt was recruited by John Wilkes Booth, the infamous actor and Confederate sympathizer.
6. He initially participated in a plot to kidnap Lincoln, which later evolved into an assassination plan.
7. On the night of Lincoln's assassination, Surratt was in Elmira, New York, allegedly on a mission for the Confederacy.
8. After Lincoln's death, Surratt fled the country to avoid arrest, traveling through Canada and Europe.

Life on the Run

John Surratt's escape and life as a fugitive are filled with daring moves and close calls. Here are some fascinating facts about his time on the run.

9. He used the alias "John Harrison" while hiding in Canada.
10. Surratt worked as a teacher in Montreal to support himself while in hiding.
11. He traveled to Liverpool, England, before making his way to Rome, where he joined the Papal Zouaves, a military unit.
12. His true identity was discovered in Rome, leading to his arrest by the Papal authorities in 1866.
13. Surratt managed to escape from custody in Rome but was eventually captured in Egypt.

Trial and Later Life

John Surratt's trial and subsequent life provide a glimpse into the aftermath of his involvement in the Lincoln assassination plot. These facts shed light on his later years.

14. He was extradited to the United States in 1867 to stand trial for his role in the assassination conspiracy.
15. Surratt's trial ended in a hung jury, and he was never convicted of any crime related to Lincoln's assassination.
16. After his release, he worked as a teacher and later as a public lecturer, sharing his experiences.
17. Surratt married Mary Victorine Hunter in 1872, and they had seven children together.
18. He lived a relatively quiet life after his trial, avoiding public attention.

Legacy and Historical Impact

John Surratt's actions and their consequences have left a lasting impact on history. These facts explore his legacy.

19. His mother, Mary Surratt, was executed for her role in the assassination conspiracy, becoming the first woman executed by the U.S. federal government.
20. John Surratt's trial highlighted the complexities of the legal system during the Reconstruction era.
21. His escape and capture were widely covered in the media, making him a notorious figure of his time.
22. Surratt's life story has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries.
23. His involvement in the Lincoln assassination plot continues to be a topic of interest for historians and researchers.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the major events, John Surratt's life includes many lesser-known but equally fascinating details. Here are some interesting tidbits.

24. Surratt was fluent in several languages, including French and Italian, which helped him during his time in Europe.
25. He once worked as a clerk in a Baltimore dry goods store before the Civil War.
26. Surratt's escape from Rome involved jumping from a window and evading capture for several days.
27. He was one of the last surviving members of the Lincoln assassination conspiracy, living until 1916.
28. Surratt's memoirs, published posthumously, provide a firsthand account of his experiences and thoughts.

Connections to Other Historical Figures

John Surratt's life intersected with many notable individuals of his time. These facts highlight some of those connections.

29. He was a close associate of John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Lincoln.
30. Surratt's mother, Mary, was acquainted with several high-ranking Confederate officials.
31. He met with Confederate President Jefferson Davis during his time as a courier.
32. Surratt's trial featured prominent lawyers and politicians, including future Supreme Court Justice David Davis.
33. He corresponded with several European revolutionaries during his time abroad.

Final Years and Death

The final years of John Surratt's life were marked by a return to normalcy and reflection. These facts cover his later years and death.

34. Surratt settled in Baltimore, Maryland, after his release from prison.
35. He worked for the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, also known as the "Old Bay Line."
36. Surratt became a devout Catholic in his later years, attending church regularly.
37. He died on April 21, 1916, at the age of 72, and was buried in Baltimore's New Cathedral Cemetery.
38. Surratt's life remains a subject of fascination, with his actions and legacy continuing to be studied and debated.

Final Glimpse into John Surratt's Life

John Surratt's life remains a fascinating chapter in American history. His involvement in the Lincoln assassination plot and subsequent escape across continents show a tale of intrigue and survival. After evading capture for years, his eventual trial and acquittal left many questions unanswered. Surratt's later years, spent in relative obscurity, contrast sharply with his earlier notoriety.

Understanding Surratt's story provides insight into the complexities of post-Civil War America. His actions and the legal proceedings that followed highlight the era's turbulent nature. While some view him as a villain, others see a man caught in extraordinary circumstances.

John Surratt's legacy continues to spark debate among historians and enthusiasts alike. His life, marked by dramatic twists and turns, ensures his place in the annals of American history.