Loading

George Atzerodt

Alexander Gardner1865

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre
Washington, D.C., United States

Born in Prussia (now part of Germany) George Atzerodt was a carriage-painter by trade. By 1864 the twenty-nine-year-old made his living off the Potomac River. Ferrying Confederate spies across the river, Atzerodt knew the intricate networks of creeks and inlets in the tangled, marshy environment of southern Maryland and eastern Virginia. Such knowledge was invaluable so long as the Booth conspirators planned on spiriting Lincoln out of his capital, and evading pursuers on the roads south to Richmond.
Assigned to kill Vice President Johnson at his Washington hotel on April 14, Atzerodt had no taste for murder. The would-be assassin got drunk instead. This didn’t prevent his later arrest, trial, or execution.

Show lessRead more
Ford's Theatre

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Interested in Performance?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites