The Family Home Where Lincoln Died - DC's Petersen House

Summary

This script explores the poignant events surrounding the death of Abraham Lincoln, highlighting the significance of the Peterson House in Washington, D.C. where Lincoln passed away after being shot by John Wilkes Booth. The narrative delves into the house’s history, the role of the Peterson family, and the individuals present during Lincoln's final hours, including Mary Todd Lincoln, Clara Harris, and various others who helped in the aftermath. Through vivid accounts, the script sheds light on the emotional and historical gravity of that night, offering a detailed exploration of both personal and public experiences during one of the most tragic moments in American history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Abraham Lincoln was brought to the Peterson House after being shot at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, and died here the following morning.
• 😀 The Peterson House, originally built in 1849, was a boarding house and had several tenants at the time of Lincoln's assassination.
• 😀 Henry Safford, a boarder in the house, helped bring Lincoln inside after he was carried out of the theater.
• 😀 Despite the commotion of Lincoln’s arrival, many people were unaware of the gravity of the situation, including some of the boarders.
• 😀 Mary Todd Lincoln, Lincoln's wife, was separated from him during the night due to medical orders to manage her grief, and Clara Harris stayed with her.
• 😀 The room where Lincoln died had to be modified, as the bed was too short, and soldiers had to adjust it to fit him.
• 😀 The Yoka brothers, amateur photographers, were locked in their room during the aftermath, but later captured the only known photograph of the room where Lincoln died.
• 😀 Clark, a boarder in the house, was exhausted from helping with supplies but later collapsed in the bed where Lincoln died. He later returned Lincoln's bloodstained clothes to Robert Todd Lincoln.
• 😀 Despite his personal political leanings, William Peterson, the house owner, participated in the Union cause by making uniforms for Union officers.
• 😀 Ford's Theater, where Lincoln was shot, was immediately locked down after the assassination, and looting occurred despite the security efforts.

Q & A

Where was Abraham Lincoln sitting on the night of April 14th, 1865?

Abraham Lincoln was sitting in the red villet rocking chair on the night of April 14th, 1865, the night he was shot by John Wilkes Booth.

What was the significance of the front door opening with Henry Safford's involvement?

When the front door opened, Henry Safford, who lived upstairs, came down to help when he heard the commotion. He suggested that Abraham Lincoln be brought into the Peterson House after he was shot.

Who was involved in the aftermath of Lincoln's shooting at the Peterson House?

Mary Todd Lincoln, Clara Harris, Major Henry Rathbone, and actress Laura Keene were all involved in the aftermath of the shooting. Clara Harris stayed with Mary Todd Lincoln, while Major Rathbone passed out from blood loss. Laura Keene also joined them.

What was the role of Edwin Stanton during the events at the Peterson House?

Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, set up operations in the back parlor of the Peterson House, where he began the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth and coordinated the response to Lincoln's assassination.

What was the role of James Tanner during Lincoln's final hours?

James Tanner, a 21-year-old Civil War veteran and bilateral amputee, volunteered to assist Edwin Stanton. He recorded all conversations and eyewitness accounts, contributing nearly 200 pages of stenographic notes during the night.

What was the significance of the photograph taken of Lincoln's body?

The photograph taken of Lincoln's body in the Peterson House is significant because it is the only known image of the interior of the house after Lincoln's death. It was captured by the Yoka brothers, who were locked in their room during the events.

How did the Peterson children and borders assist during Lincoln's final hours?

The Peterson children and borders, including Henry Safford, Jonathan and Holda Francis, and the Yoka brothers, all assisted in various ways, such as bringing water to the back room and helping with other tasks during the chaotic night.

How did William Peterson, the owner of the Peterson House, react to the events?

William Peterson, who was not a supporter of Lincoln and did not vote for him, was not present during the events. However, his children, including Fred Peterson, were involved in helping during the night.

What was the role of the Yoka brothers during the aftermath of Lincoln's death?

The Yoka brothers, who were renting a room in the Peterson House, were locked in their room and unaware of the events below. After Lincoln's body was removed, they took the famous photograph of the interior of the room.

How did the events at Ford's Theater unfold following Lincoln's assassination?

After Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theater was locked down by soldiers from the Ninth Veteran Reserve Corps. The theater reopened briefly for a performance but was quickly repurposed for military use. The Fords, the owners of the theater, were arrested on conspiracy charges.