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Abraham Lincoln's Assassination: A Timeline of Tragedy

Bret Mitchell

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Published in Honest Abe: The Assassination Of President Lincoln (A Few Lines Of History)

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Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was assassinated on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. His death was a major turning point in American history, and the circumstances surrounding his assassination have been the subject of much speculation and conspiracy theories.

The Assassination

On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, attended a performance of the play Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre. Around 10:15 p.m., John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, entered the president's box and shot him in the head. Lincoln died the following day.

Honest Abe: The Assassination of President Lincoln (A Few Lines of History)

by Danielle Gibson

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Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln At Ford's Theatre Honest Abe: The Assassination Of President Lincoln (A Few Lines Of History)

The Aftermath

Booth's assassination of Lincoln sent shockwaves throughout the country. The president was a beloved figure, and his death was seen as a national tragedy. The assassination also had a profound impact on the Reconstruction era, as it led to a period of increased racial tension and violence.

Booth was pursued by Union soldiers for 12 days after the assassination. He was finally cornered in a barn in Virginia and killed by Union cavalryman Boston Corbett.

The Conspiracies

In the years since Lincoln's assassination, there have been numerous conspiracy theories about who was really responsible for his death. Some believe that Booth was part of a larger plot, involving Confederate agents or even members of the Lincoln administration. Others believe that Booth acted alone, but that he was motivated by factors other than Confederate sympathies.

The most common conspiracy theory is that Lincoln was assassinated by Confederate agents as part of a plot to derail the Reconstruction process. However, there is no credible evidence to support this claim. In fact, most historians believe that Booth acted alone, and that he was motivated by a combination of personal and political factors.

The Legacy

Abraham Lincoln's assassination was a major turning point in American history. It ended the Civil War and led to the Reconstruction era, a time of great social and political change. Lincoln's death also had a profound impact on the American psyche, and he remains one of the most beloved and revered figures in American history.

Today, Lincoln is remembered as a great leader who saved the Union and helped to end slavery. His assassination is seen as a tragic event that should never be forgotten.

Timeline of Events

April 14, 1865
Abraham Lincoln is assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
April 15, 1865
Lincoln dies from his wounds.
April 26, 1865
John Wilkes Booth is killed by Union soldiers in Virginia.
1867
The Lincoln assassination conspiracy trial begins.
June 30, 1868
Four Confederate conspirators are hanged for their role in the assassination plot.
1909
The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.