John Wilkes Booth was an American actor who gained infamy for his assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Born on May 10, 1838, in Bel Air, Maryland, Booth became increasingly disillusioned with the Union and vehemently opposed the abolitionist movement. His strong Confederate sympathies and deep-seated resentment towards Lincoln led him to orchestrate the assassination plot.
On April 14, 1865, Booth carried out his fateful act at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., shooting President Lincoln in the back of the head. He then fled the scene, sparking a massive manhunt. After twelve days on the run, Booth was finally tracked down and cornered in a Virginia barn. Refusing to surrender, he was fatally shot by a Union soldier on April 26, 1865.
John Wilkes Booth's actions forever branded him as one of the most notorious assassins in American history. His act of violence sent shockwaves through the nation, exacerbating the already-tense climate of the post-Civil War era. As a result of his actions, Booth became an emblem of hate, violence, and extremism.
Over time, Booth's name has become synonymous with treachery and political assassination. His actions have been explored in numerous books, plays, and films, serving as a reminder of the consequences of extremism and the fragility of democracy.
