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
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.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
What did the country lose with Lincoln's death?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Get One of These Every Day
The FreedomMaxxing Daily Brief pairs a history moment like this with what's on your radar today and a live patriot poll — free, 60 seconds.