April 14 in American History

April 14, 1865 — Lincoln is assassinated

Just five days after Lee's surrender, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington. Lincoln died the next morning. The man who had held the Union together and ended slavery was killed at the very moment of victory, robbing the country of his vision for a gentle reconstruction. A wound the nation felt for generations.

Common Questions About April 14

What happened on April 14 in American history?

In 1865: Lincoln is assassinated. Just five days after Lee's surrender, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington.

Why is April 14 significant?

Just five days after Lee's surrender, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington. Lincoln died the next morning. The man who had held the Union together and ended slavery was killed at the very moment of victory, robbing the country of his vision for a gentle reconstruction. A wound the nation felt for generations.

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