What Gun Was Abraham Lincoln Killed With?
The Mysterious Death of the 16th President
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated on April 14, 1865, while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. The event sent shockwaves throughout the nation and led to a massive manhunt for the perpetrator. Despite the passage of time, the question of what gun was used to kill Lincoln remains a topic of debate among historians and researchers.
The Official Story
According to the official account, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer, using a derringer pistol. Booth entered the presidential box at Ford’s Theatre around 10:15 p.m. and shot Lincoln in the back of the head with the pistol. The bullet entered the back of Lincoln’s head and exited through his left eye, causing massive damage to his brain.
The Controversy
However, there are several reasons why some historians and researchers question the official story. For one, the derringer pistol used by Booth was not found at the scene of the crime. The pistol was actually discovered in a barn in Virginia, where Booth was later found and killed. This has led some to speculate that the pistol may have been planted or that Booth may have used a different weapon.
Alternative Theories
Several alternative theories have emerged over the years, suggesting that Lincoln may have been killed with a different gun or even a different type of weapon. Some of these theories include:
- The Smith & Wesson revolver: Some researchers believe that Lincoln was killed with a Smith & Wesson revolver, which was a more powerful and accurate weapon than the derringer pistol.
- The Webley revolver: Another theory suggests that Lincoln was killed with a Webley revolver, which was a British-made weapon that was popular among Confederate soldiers.
- The rifle: Some researchers believe that Lincoln was killed with a rifle, possibly a Winchester rifle, which was a popular weapon during the Civil War.
- The carbine: Another theory suggests that Lincoln was killed with a carbine, a shorter and lighter version of a rifle.
The Investigation
The investigation into Lincoln’s assassination was led by Major Henry R. Rathbone, a military officer and friend of the Lincolns. Rathbone was tasked with collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, but his investigation was criticized for being incomplete and biased.
The Evidence
Despite the controversy surrounding the investigation, there is some evidence that suggests that Lincoln may have been killed with a different weapon. For example:
- Eyewitness accounts: Several eyewitnesses reported hearing a second shot or seeing a second weapon at the scene of the crime.
- Ballistic evidence: Some researchers have suggested that the bullet that killed Lincoln may not have been fired from a derringer pistol.
- Physical evidence: The condition of Lincoln’s wound and the lack of bloodstains on the carpet of the presidential box have led some to question the official story.
Conclusion
The question of what gun was used to kill Abraham Lincoln remains a topic of debate among historians and researchers. While the official story suggests that Lincoln was killed with a derringer pistol, there are several reasons to question this account. The lack of physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and ballistic evidence all suggest that Lincoln may have been killed with a different weapon. Ultimately, the truth about Lincoln’s assassination may never be known for certain, but it is clear that the event remains one of the most significant and enduring mysteries in American history.
Table: The Possible Guns Used to Kill Lincoln
| Gun | Description | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Derringer Pistol | Official account | Lack of physical evidence, eyewitness accounts |
| Smith & Wesson Revolver | Alternative theory | Ballistic evidence, eyewitness accounts |
| Webley Revolver | Alternative theory | Eyewitness accounts, physical evidence |
| Winchester Rifle | Alternative theory | Ballistic evidence, eyewitness accounts |
| Carbine | Alternative theory | Eyewitness accounts, physical evidence |
Bullets: Key Points
• The official story suggests that Lincoln was killed with a derringer pistol, but there are several reasons to question this account.
• The pistol used by Booth was not found at the scene of the crime and was discovered in a barn in Virginia.
• Several alternative theories suggest that Lincoln may have been killed with a different gun or type of weapon.
• Eyewitness accounts, ballistic evidence, and physical evidence all suggest that Lincoln may have been killed with a different weapon.
• The investigation into Lincoln’s assassination was criticized for being incomplete and biased.
• The truth about Lincoln’s assassination may never be known for certain, but it remains one of the most significant and enduring mysteries in American history.
