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On this day in the Civil War, at 7:22 am, President Lincoln dies from the wound inflicted the night before. Andrew Johnson takes the oath of office and assumes the presidency.
President Lincoln
Thought to be the last photograph ever taken of Lincoln
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
On this day in the Civil War, in Washington City, President Lincoln begins the day by conferring with his cabinet and General Grant. That evening Lincoln, accompanied by his wife, attends a play called Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theater. Around 10 pm an actor named John Wilkes Booth enters the President’s box through a rear door and shoots him through the back of the head. Booth then hurls himself over the balcony onto the stage, breaking his leg and yelling, “Sic semper tyrannus!’ (“thus always to tyrants!”)
The President is carried to a house across the street and is examined by a doctor who pronounces the wound mortal.
President’s box at Ford’s Theater
Washington D.C.
On this day in the Civil War, as part of a demobilization program, President Lincoln halts the draft and reduces war supply requisitions.
On this day in the Civil War, at Appomattox Court House, a formal surrender ceremony takes place, although Lee and Grant are not present. General Joshua Chamberlain, who distinguished himself in the last days of fighting, was given the honor of accepting the arms and flags of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
Joshua Chamberlain
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
On this day in the Civil War, Confederates abandon the last two remaining fortifications that blocked Union troops from Mobile, Alabama.
The Civil War Book 