The United States were forever changed on April 14, 1865, when the Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater. This assassination took place just four days after the end of the Civil War. Lincoln, whose stately visage was carved into the side of Mount Rushmore, along with Presidents Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Washington, is widely regarded as one of the three most important presidents in the history of the United States. Lincoln masterfully led the remainder of the Union through the Civil War, managing to reconstruct a country torn apart by hatred and animosity.

     Offered here is a partial piece of the American flag used to cover Lincoln’s body as he was spirited away from Ford’s Theater on that fateful night. Included is a 7.5x3.5” cut featuring Lincoln’s portrait and the text “We Mourn Our Country’s Loss.” This small piece of flag, taken from one of the 13 red stripes, is an indelible image of both our country’s dedication to liberty and dark history. This item comes with a University Archives LOA.

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