John Wilkes Booth and The Civil War
By Javier Rios & Thomas Lupinacci
Early Years
When he was young, Booth attended the Milton Boarding School for Boys. He later moved on to St. Timothy's Hall for a short while. Through the years, Booth was often regarded as incredibly hansom. Many imagined him following his father's footsteps onto a stage. Booth later became a famous actor.
Contribution
Booth later went on to greater measures. On April 14, 1865, soon after the Union had won the Civil War, Booth had entered Ford's Theater and climbed up to the Presidential Booth where Lincoln was watching a play with his wife and a few others. Booth approached him from behind, pulled out a pistol, and pulled the trigger. After shooting Lincoln in the head, Booth jumped off of the balcony and yelled, "Sic semper tyrannis" (thus always tyrants). Booth broke his leg during the fall, but he was able to hobble onto a horse and escape. He was soon trapped in a barn.
Death and Memorials
Joseph Pinkney Parker was a police officer, teacher, baptist, and Confederate veteran who lived in Alabama. He was best known for hating Abraham Lincoln. Pinkney commissioned a monument memorializing John Wilkes Booth and his assassination of Abraham Lincoln. John wanted to make a 3 foot tall bore shaft, and it was done.
A Handful of Booth Facts
He became a famous actor just like his father.
His last name matches the place where he shot Lincoln.
A $100,000 reward for his capture was available.
Before he died he said, "Tell mother I did it for my country".