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This choice episode of History Daily originally aired on April 14th, 2022.

It's evening on April 14th, 1865 in Washington, D.C., a handsome young man with jet-black hair,

a reach through the lobby of a downtown theater. This evening's show, The Hit Comedy, Our American

Cousin, has already started, and the young man can hear laughter coming from the packed auditorium.

He climbs the stairs, leading up to the upper levels of the theater, coming to a door marked

dress circle. Young man steps inside. In the dark, packed auditorium, all eyes are fixed on the

brightly lit stage. No one notices the handsome young man, as he silently makes his way to a door

that leads to a private box. He flashes a smile as he approaches a hulking bearded guard sitting

outside. He pulls out a calling card with his name printed on it. But the guard already knows

who he is. This young man, John Wilkes Booth, is one of the most famous actors in America.

Not wanting to disturb the performance, the guard lets Booth through the door into a small

vestibule. Inside, Booth quickly and silently bars the door behind him. He turns to find yet

another door. This one unguarded. Next, Booth pulls out a small pistol and a dagger and waits

for his cue. Booth knows tonight's play well. He knows which lines get the biggest laughs,

so he waits a moment or two and listens. When the play's biggest laugh line hits, Booth creeps

through the door into the private box. Sitting in front of him, the 16th president of the United

States, Abraham Lincoln, lasts heartily along with his wife and guests. But none of them

notice Booth, who raises his pistol to the back of the president's head.

Abraham Lincoln is the first president assassinated in US history. His death will come near the end

...