Overview
This lecture outlines the events surrounding President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in April 1865, focusing on key actors, failed plots, the night of the murder, the conspirators' flight, and subsequent capture and punishment.
Background & Early Plots
- John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor, stayed at the National Hotel in Washington, admired by Lincoln.
- On March 4, 1865, Booth attended Lincoln's second inauguration, later claiming he had a chance to kill Lincoln.
- Booth's initial plan to kidnap Lincoln on March 17 failed when Lincoln canceled his visit to Campbell Hospital.
April 14, 1865: The Assassination Plot
- Booth learned at Ford's Theatre that Lincoln would attend a play that evening and discussed killing Lincoln, Vice President Johnson, Secretary Seward, and General Grant with his conspirators.
- George Atzerodt planned but failed to assassinate Vice President Johnson at Kirkwood House.
- Michael O'Laughlen followed Grant but couldn't attack due to security.
- Booth drank at Star Tavern before returning to Ford's Theatre.
The Assassination and Immediate Aftermath
- At 10:13 p.m., Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre and fled, breaking his leg as he escaped the stage.
- At 10:15 p.m., Lewis Powell wounded Secretary Seward at Seward's home.
- Booth and David Herold crossed the Navy Yard Bridge into Maryland shortly after the attack.
Booth’s Escape & Death of Lincoln
- Booth and Herold stopped at Mary Surratt's house to collect supplies; Surratt was later executed.
- They reached Dr. Samuel Mudd's home at 4:00 a.m., April 15, for medical help.
- Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15 in the Peterson boarding house.
Pursuit, Arrests & Capture of Conspirators
- Booth hid near the Potomac River before escaping to Virginia on April 23.
- Lewis Powell was arrested at Mary Surratt's boarding house; Atzerodt was found in Germantown.
- Some conspirators were held at the Old Capitol Prison and USS Saugus.
- Booth was killed on April 26 at Garrett Farm after refusing to surrender.
Trial & Execution
- The military tribunal began May 12 at the Old Arsenal Prison.
- On July 7, Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt were executed by hanging.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Conspirator — A person who takes part in a secret plot or plan, especially to commit an illegal or harmful act.
- Ford's Theatre — The Washington, D.C. venue where Lincoln was assassinated.
- Military tribunal — A military court set up to try individuals accused of crimes linked to military or national security matters.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the timeline of key events for memorization.
- Study the roles of each conspirator and the sequence of their arrests.
- Prepare for questions on the aftermath and legal proceedings following the assassination.