John Wilkes Booth, the notorious assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, had the initials "J. W. B." tattooed on his hand.
Details of the Tattoo
The distinctive tattoo served as a key identifying mark for Booth. The initials "J. W. B." were inked across the back of his hand, specifically near the wrist area. Given that Booth was right-handed, historical accounts suggest it is highly probable that this identifying mark was located on his left hand.
This detail became an important feature in the efforts to identify and confirm the body of the fleeing assassin after the Lincoln assassination.
To summarize the tattoo's characteristics:
| Tattoo Content | Approximate Location | Likely Hand |
|---|---|---|
| J. W. B. | Back of hand, near wrist | Left Hand |
Historical Significance
The presence of this unique tattoo contributed to the conclusive identification of John Wilkes Booth's body after he was cornered and killed by Union soldiers. It was a personal mark that helped confirm his identity, adding a significant detail to the historical record of one of America's most pivotal events.
