Booth's Escape Route May 15, 2009

Fleeing Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. Civil War authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth’s escape route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the assassination.

Stops include Ford’s Theatre; the house near Clinton, Maryland, whose owner was hanged for her involvement in the plot; and the house of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who set Booth’s broken leg.

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Captain Billy’s Crab House at Pope’s Creek Landing, near where Booth and conspirator David Edgar Herold crossed the Potomac. In Virginia, visit sites where they contacted local sympathizers and where Booth was captured and died.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by bus from the southeast corner of the Air and Space Museum, 4th St. & Independence Ave., S.W.

Fri., May 15 and Sun., Jun. 7

Resident Members $123;
Gen. Admission $169

Metro: Smithsonian

Official Website: http://www.smithsonianassociates.org