Where were the Lincoln conspirators held?
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, on April 14, 1865, shocked the nation and led to the capture of those responsible for the crime. The conspirators, a group of individuals who plotted to kill the President, were quickly apprehended and held in various locations before being transferred to military custody. This article delves into the places where the Lincoln conspirators were held during the aftermath of the assassination.
Following Lincoln’s death, the conspirators were initially held at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C. The Soldiers’ Home was a temporary holding facility for captured Confederates and was used as a makeshift prison for the Lincoln conspirators. The site was chosen for its close proximity to the White House, ensuring that the authorities could keep a close watch on the suspects.
As the investigation into the assassination progressed, the conspirators were transferred to the Old Capitol Prison, a federal penitentiary located in downtown Washington, D.C. The Old Capitol Prison was a former U.S. Capitol building that had been converted into a jail. It was a more secure location, as it was designed to hold high-profile prisoners, including Confederate leaders captured during the Civil War.
The Lincoln conspirators spent the majority of their time in the Old Capitol Prison, where they were subjected to rigorous questioning and interrogation. Their cells were small and uncomfortable, and they were often subjected to harsh treatment by the guards. Despite the difficult conditions, the conspirators managed to maintain a sense of camaraderie and support each other during their time in captivity.
On May 10, 1865, the conspirators were transferred to the District of Columbia jail, located at the corner of Seventh and D Streets in Washington, D.C. The jail was a more secure facility, as it was designed to house prisoners awaiting trial or those who had been sentenced to serve time. The conspirators were held there until their trials, which took place in June 1865.
The trials of the Lincoln conspirators were held in the Old Capitol Building, which had been converted into a courtroom. The trials were highly publicized and attracted thousands of spectators. The conspirators were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and were sentenced to death. They were executed by hanging at the Old Penitentiary in Washington, D.C., on July 7, 1865.
In conclusion, the Lincoln conspirators were held in several locations following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. From the Soldiers’ Home to the Old Capitol Prison and finally the District of Columbia jail, the conspirators were closely monitored and interrogated before facing trial and ultimately being executed. The events surrounding the Lincoln assassination and the subsequent capture and trial of the conspirators remain a significant part of American history.
