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The day of the assassination
Late morning
While picking up his mail at Ford’s Theater, John Wilkes Booth overhears someone saying Lincoln will attend that evening’s performance. He spends the following eight hours gathering supplies and plotting with Powell and Atzerodt.
10:13 p.m.
At the theater, Booth shoots President Lincoln in the head during a performance of
“Our American Cousin.” Booth jumps off the balcony onto the stage and yells: “Sic semper -
Civil war ends
Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrenders at the Appomattox Courthouse and the Civil War ends. -
John Surratt Captured
A ninth conspirator, fugitive John Surratt, is captured in Alexandria, Egypt. He will be tried but acquitted with a hung jury, and survive another 50 years until 1916. -
Michael O'Laughlen Dies
O'Laughlen was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was one of John Wilkes Booth's earliest friends as the Booth family lived across the street from the O'Laughlens. O'Laughlen learned the trade of manufacturing ornamental plaster work. He also learned the art of engraving. At the start of the Civil War O'Laughlen joined the Confederate Army but was discharged in June 1862. He returned to Baltimore and joined his brother in the feed and produce business.
