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The plot
John Wilkes Booth plans to kidnap Lincoln and hold him for ransom. He conspired with Lewis Powell, George Atzerodt, David Herold, Samuel Arnold, Michael O’Laughlen and John Surratt, but the plot was never carried out. -
Civil War Ends
Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrenders at the Appomattox Courthouse. -
Assassination
In the morning, Booth plots with Powell and Atzerodt. At 10:13 p.m., Booth shoots Lincoln in the back of the head during a performance. Booth breaks his leg but escapes by horseback. At 10:15 p.m., Lewis Powell attacks the secretary of state, William Seward in his bed. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes charge of a manhunt for the assassins. -
The Day After
Booth travels with David Herold and arrives at Samuel Mudd's house to set his broken leg. Booth and Herold push on towards the Potomac River. They plan to cross into Virginia and find a place to hide. -
Hiding
Booth and Herold hide in a pine thicket for five days. Union trooops get so close to them that Booth can hear them. -
Arrest
Five conspirators were arrested. Investigators recieved a tip that led to the arrest of Lewis Powell. The police also arrested Michael O’Laughlen, Edman Spangler, Samuel Arnold and Mary Surratt. -
The hunt
Authorites are still unable to find Booth. Edwin Stanton offers a $100,000 reward for the fugitives. The police arrest George Atzerodt. -
In Virginia
Booth and Herald make it to Virginia, and three confederate soldiers help them cross Rappahannock River. They eventually find shelter in a barn owned by Richard Garret. Back in Maryland, the poloce arrest Mudd, the doctor who set Booth's broken leg. -
Closing in
Acting on tips, the Union makes way to the Garret farm. -
The surrender
Soldiers surround the barn, and Herold surrenders. While Booth refuses, the barn was set ablaze, and Booth was shot in the neck and dies at sunrise. -
The Trial
Eight defendants stand trial for President Lincoln's murder. Four will be found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. The remaining four will serve prison sentences at remote Fort Jefferson, in the Dry Tortugas off of Florida, a Union prison during the Civil War. -
The execution
Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold and George Atzerodt are hanged at the Old Arsenal Prison in Washington, D.C. -
Parole
President Andrew Johnson paroles Dr. Samuel Mudd , who had been sentenced to a life term in prison. Edmund Spangler, was sentenced to six years in prison, and Samuel Arnold, sentenced to life, are both paroled by President Johnson.