The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, sent shockwaves across the United States. John Wilkes Booth, the infamous actor and Confederate sympathizer, carried out the heinous crime at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. After a 12-day manhunt, Booth was finally tracked down and killed by Union soldiers on April 26, 1865. But what happened to his body after his death? For over a century, the location of John Wilkes Booth's burial place remained a mystery, sparking numerous theories and speculations. In this article, we will delve into the history of Booth's burial and reveal the truth behind his final resting place.
The Initial Burial
After Booth's death, his body was taken to the porch of the farm where he was killed, and a crude autopsy was performed. The doctor who conducted the autopsy, Dr. Samuel Mudd, later described the process in detail. Booth's body was then wrapped in a blanket and taken to the USS Montauk, a Union warship anchored in the Potomac River. On board, the body was prepared for burial, and a metal tag with Booth's name and the date of his death was attached to his wrist.
The Journey to the Washington Arsenal
Booth's body was transported to the Washington Arsenal, a military prison and armory in Washington D.C. The body was placed in a metal-lined coffin, which was then sealed and labeled. At the arsenal, the coffin was stored in a warehouse until it could be decided what to do with the remains.
The Mystery of the Burial
In the years following Booth's death, numerous rumors and theories emerged about his burial place. Some claimed that he was buried in a secret grave in the woods, while others believed that his body was thrown into the ocean. The truth, however, was much more complicated.
The Correct Burial Place
In 1869, the remains of John Wilkes Booth were exhumed from the Washington Arsenal and reburied in a new location. According to official records, Booth was reinterred in the family plot at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. However, the exact location of his grave within the cemetery remained a mystery for over a century.
The Investigation
In the 1990s, a team of researchers and historians embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind Booth's burial place. They scoured through historical records, interviewed descendants of the Booth family, and conducted extensive research at Green Mount Cemetery. Their findings revealed that Booth's grave was indeed located in the family plot, but it was not marked with a traditional headstone.
The Final Resting Place
Today, John Wilkes Booth's grave can be found in Section P, Lot 193, of Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. The grave is marked with a simple stone plaque bearing his name and the dates of his birth and death. While the location of his grave was unknown for many years, it is now a place of historical significance and a destination for those interested in the history of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.
Image:
Gallery of John Wilkes Booth
FAQs
Where was John Wilkes Booth initially buried?
+John Wilkes Booth was initially buried at the Washington Arsenal in Washington D.C.
Why was John Wilkes Booth's burial place kept secret?
+The burial place of John Wilkes Booth was kept secret to prevent his grave from becoming a place of pilgrimage for Confederate sympathizers.
Where is John Wilkes Booth's grave located today?
+John Wilkes Booth's grave is located in Section P, Lot 193, of Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.
In conclusion, the mystery of John Wilkes Booth's burial place has finally been solved. After years of speculation and research, his grave has been located at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. While the location of his grave was unknown for many years, it is now a place of historical significance and a destination for those interested in the history of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.