Assassination of Abraham Lincoln – 1865 Presidential Murder
On 14 April 1865, actor John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in the head at Ford's Theatre. Lincoln died the following morning. Booth fled, was tracked down, and killed on 26 April. Four conspirators were hanged in July, while a fifth was tried but never retried.
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We honor the memory of President Lincoln and all who suffered as a result of this tragic event.
Timeline
- 17 March 1865 — Booth and co‑conspirators plan to abduct Lincoln after a play at Campbell General Hospital; the plan aborts.
- 3 April 1865 — Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital, falls to Union forces.
- 9 April 1865 — General Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.
- 14 April 1865 — Booth shoots Lincoln in the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre; Lincoln is carried to the Petersen House.
- 15 April 1865 — Lincoln dies; Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as the 17th president.
- 19 April 1865 — Lincoln's state funeral is held; his body travels by funeral train through seven states.
- 26 April 1865 — Booth and accomplice David Herold are found at a tobacco farm in Virginia; Booth is fatally shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett.
- July 1865 — Lewis Powell, David Herold, George Atzerodt, and Mary Surratt are hanged for the conspiracy.
- November 1866 — John Surratt is captured in Egypt after fleeing abroad.
- 1867 — John Surratt is released after a mistrial and never retried.
Frequently asked questions
Who assassinated President Lincoln?
John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate‑sympathizing actor, shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre on 14 April 1865.
What was Booth’s original plan regarding Lincoln?
Booth first plotted to kidnap Lincoln to force the Union to resume prisoner exchanges; the kidnapping scheme failed, leading him to plan assassination.
Who were the other conspirators and what happened to them?
Lewis Powell, David Herold, George Atzerodt, and Mary Surratt were captured and hanged in July 1865; John Surratt was captured in 1866, tried, and released after a mistrial.
How did Lincoln die after being shot?
He was moved to the Petersen House where doctors attempted to relieve brain pressure; despite their efforts, he died the next morning.
Was there any prior attempt on Lincoln’s life?
An earlier incident on 14 August 1864 involved a rifle shot that passed through Lincoln’s hat; the shooter’s identity remains unknown, and some have theorised Booth was involved.
Did Lincoln have a bodyguard at Ford’s Theatre?
The assigned guard, John Frederick Parker, left his post during intermission and was not present when Booth entered the Presidential Box.
What did Booth shout after shooting Lincoln?
Witness accounts differ; most recall Booth shouting the Virginia motto "Sic semper tyrannis!", while others, including Booth himself, reported only "Sic semper!" or no Latin at all.
Primary sources and references
The cases · Investigation glossary · On this day in history · The daily puzzle · Which detective are you? · Historical word search maker