What date was Lincoln killed? This question remains a haunting reminder of the tragic event that shook the United States in 1865. On April 14th, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. His assassination marked the end of a tumultuous presidency and a pivotal moment in American history.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln was a devastating blow to the nation, coming just five days after the Union’s victory at the Battle of Appomattox Court House. Lincoln had been attending a performance of “Our American Cousin” when John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, crept into the presidential box and shot him in the back of the head. Booth then jumped to the stage, shouted “Sic semper tyrannis!” (May it always be thus to tyrants), and escaped through a back door.
The following morning, Lincoln was found in his bed, mortally wounded. He was rushed to a nearby house, where doctors tried desperately to save his life. However, it was too late, and on April 15th, 1865, Abraham Lincoln passed away at the age of 56. His assassination sent shockwaves through the nation and the world, as people mourned the loss of a leader who had guided the United States through the Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction era.
The investigation into Lincoln’s assassination was swift and thorough. Within days, Booth was identified as the culprit, and a massive manhunt ensued. On April 26th, 1865, Booth was found hiding in a barn in Virginia. He was shot and killed during an attempt to capture him, bringing an end to the manhunt and the search for justice.
Lincoln’s assassination has left an indelible mark on American history. His presidency, marked by his commitment to preserving the Union and his efforts to end slavery, has been celebrated as a defining moment in the nation’s struggle for equality and justice. The date of his assassination, April 14th, 1865, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of Americans as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history.
