On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre. The tragic event, occurring just after the Civil War had ended, became a defining moment in Lincoln’s legacy as the 16th president. It took place during a time of significant tension and uncertainty across the nation. One lesser-known aspect of that fateful night is the surprising collection of personal items discovered in Lincoln’s pockets after his death.
Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most notable events in US history. The president had helped lead the nation through the turbulent American Civil War, a time of unparalleled difficulty, and was well loved, especially by the African-American community for his large role in the abolition of slavery.
John Wilkes Booth snuck up behind the US president
Abraham Lincoln was watching a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, with his wife, Mary Todd, and was completely focused on the show, unaware of the danger that John Wilkes Booth, his assassin, was about to bring. Booth, who was famous for his acting career, had quietly slipped into the president’s box without anyone noticing.
The assassination that shook the United States
John Wilkes Booth seized his moment and quietly approached President Abraham Lincoln from behind, taking him by surprise. He fired a single shot from a .44-caliber Derringer pistol, striking Lincoln in the back of the head before making a quick escape on horseback. By the following morning, Lincoln had succumbed to his injury, marking a heartbreaking end to the life of one of America’s most revered presidents at just 56 years old.
Ordinary items were found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets
Abraham Lincoln’s assassination had a profound impact on American history, but the ordinary items found in his pockets offer a more personal glimpse into the man. Among the items were a small pocket knife, two pairs of glasses, a pocket watch fob, a leather wallet, and a linen handkerchief embroidered with “A. Lincoln” in red thread.
One particularly intriguing detail was a pair of glasses that had been carefully repaired—likely by Lincoln himself. This simple act of mending something so ordinary speaks to his down-to-earth character and his tendency to fix things on his own, even something as commonplace as a pair of spectacles.
What else was found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets?
Alongside his everyday belongings, Abraham Lincoln also carried a collection of newspaper clippings that praised him. However, the most unexpected item he had with him that evening was a $5.00 Confederate bill discovered in his wallet.
Theory surrounding the $5.00 Confederate bill
The discovery of enemy currency raises questions about why the president might have had it in his possession. While the answer isn’t definitive, researchers at the Library of Congress propose a theory. Clark Evans, head of Reference Services in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, proposes:
“We don’t know with one hundred percent certainty but just a few days earlier, Richmond had fallen, and Lincoln did actually travel to Richmond and this was likely passed onto him as a souvenir.”
Preserving the items found in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets
The remarkable preservation of the possessions carried by Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination is incredible. After his death, the items were entrusted to his eldest son, Robert, and remained in the family’s possession for the next seven decades. Today, these invaluable artifacts can be viewed at the Library of Congress.