April 14, 1865
President Lincoln is shot by Confederate activist John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre and dies the following morning.
April 17, 1861
President Lincoln meets with General Winfield Scott about the defense of Washington, D.C.
April 18, 1865
President Lincoln lies in state in the White House East Room, where many visitors pay their respects.
Today in Lincoln's Life
Lincoln's Words
"I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not
with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you,
is the question, "Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be
preserved to the latest generation?"
--Speech to Gov. Morton in Indianapolis, February 11, 1861