John Wilkes Booth's diary is currently preserved and housed at the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. It is an important artifact within the museum collection managed by the National Park Service.
The Historical Significance of Booth's Diary
The diary of John Wilkes Booth is a crucial historical document that offers a chilling glimpse into the mind of Abraham Lincoln's assassin. This small, leather-bound book contains entries made by Booth in the days leading up to and immediately following the assassination of President Lincoln on April 14, 1865.
- Discovery: The diary was found on Booth's body when he was cornered and killed at Richard Garrett's farm in Port Royal, Virginia, on April 26, 1865.
- Contents: It provides a unique, albeit biased, perspective on Booth's motivations and his flight after the assassination. The entries reveal his attempts to justify his actions, his belief in divine guidance, and his bitter disappointment at the public's condemnation rather than praise. Booth expressed frustration over the lack of support for his "patriotic" act and his despair as he became a hunted fugitive.
- Controversy: For decades, the diary was a subject of conspiracy theories, particularly concerning missing pages that some believed would reveal broader involvement in the assassination plot. However, investigations and scholarly analyses have largely dismissed these claims, asserting that the missing pages were likely blank or contained insignificant scribblings.
Current Custodianship
As a key piece of American history, the diary is meticulously cared for by the National Park Service, which oversees the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.
Key Details of the Diary's Location:
| Historical Artifact | Current Location | Managed By | Access/Display Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Wilkes Booth's Diary | Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, Washington, D.C. | National Park Service (Museum Collection) | Preserved; occasionally exhibited |
While the diary is a treasured part of the collection, it is not always on continuous public display due to its fragile nature and the need for preservation. However, it is periodically featured in special exhibitions at Ford's Theatre, allowing visitors to connect with this profound piece of American history. For more information about the diary, you can refer to its catalog record at the Library of Congress.
