On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth ended President Abraham Lincoln’s life at Ford’s Theatre, a moment that remains inseparably linked to the legacy of the 16th president. This tragic event unfolded shortly after the end of the American Civil War, a turbulent chapter in the nation’s history. Notably, Lincoln carried a few surprising items in his pockets at the time of his death.
Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most notable events in US history. The president had helped lead the nation through the turbulent American Civil War, a time of unparalleled difficulty, and was well loved, especially by the African-American community for his large role in the abolition of slavery.
John Wilkes Booth snuck up behind the US president
While attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, with his wife, Mary Todd, Abraham Lincoln was completely engrossed in the show, unaware of the approaching danger from his assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Booth, known for his prominent stage career, had managed to slip into the president’s box undetected.
The assassination that shook the United States
Seeing his opportunity, John Wilkes Booth quietly moved up behind Abraham Lincoln, completely catching him off guard. He fired a single shot from a .44-caliber Derringer pistol into the back of the president’s head, then made a daring escape on horseback. By the next morning, Lincoln was declared as dead, bringing a tragic end to the life of one of America’s most respected presidents at the age of 56.
Ordinary items were found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets
Abraham Lincoln’s assassination left an indelible mark on American history, but an intriguing, almost ordinary detail lies in the items discovered in his pockets at the time of his death. Among these were a small pocket knife, two pairs of glasses, and a pocket watch fob. He also had with him a leather wallet and a linen handkerchief embroidered with “A. Lincoln” in red.
Interestingly, one of the pairs of glasses bore evidence of a slight repair made by the president himself.
What else was found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets?
In addition to his everyday belongings, Abraham Lincoln kept a collection of newspaper clippings that praised him. Yet, the most surprising item he carried that evening was a $5.00 Confederate bill found in his wallet.
Theory surrounding the $5.00 Confederate bill
The discovery of enemy currency raises questions about why the president might have had it in his possession. While the answer isn’t definitive, researchers at the Library of Congress propose a theory. Clark Evans, head of Reference Services in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, proposes:
“We don’t know with one hundred percent certainty but just a few days earlier, Richmond had fallen, and Lincoln did actually travel to Richmond and this was likely passed onto him as a souvenir.”
Preserving the items found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets
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The remarkable preservation of the possessions carried by Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination is incredible. After his death, the items were entrusted to his eldest son, Robert, and remained in the family’s possession for the next seven decades. Today, these invaluable artifacts can be viewed at the Library of Congress.
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