The investigation of Mary Todd Lincoln's cloak begins with a return to the scene of the crime.
A reexamination of the Lincoln assassination opens a window into Civil War America. Hundreds recalled details of the fateful night, just as the assassination of John F. Kennedy is indelibly etched in the memories of many contemporary Americans.
The volume of the historical assassination record is staggering.
Secretary of War Edwin Stanton began deposing eyewitnesses even as the president lay dying. Collectors hoarded letters, diaries, and memoirs describing the tragedy and its aftermath. Testimony from the trial of the conspirators charged with Lincoln's murder was published daily.
Daily newspapers achieved unprecedented circulation levels during the Civil War years as Americans moved from farms to cities. Inexpensive illustrated books on the assassination appeared within six weeks, including a German version for the substantial immigrant population. Families pasted illustrations from popular weekly journals and the new carte de visite photographs in their parlor albums.
Civil War era publications and photographs,including Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper,The Trial and Execution of the Assassins and Conspirators, Harper's Weekly, and a carte de visite of actress Laura Keene.
RETURN
TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME
A History of the Lincoln Assassination
Overview
An
Evening at Ford's Theatre
Setting
the Stage for the Assassination
Vigil
at the Petersen's House
Tragedy
at the President's Deathbed
The
Earthly Remains
The
Assassination's Aftermath