Chasing Lincoln’s Assassin
The Final Chapter in King George
Discover the dramatic end to one of the most infamous manhunts in American history. The John Wilkes Booth Civil War Trail is a scenic, 90-mile driving tour that chronicles the escape route of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, after his crime on April 14, 1865.
The entire trail begins in Washington D.C., weaves through Southern Maryland, and finally crosses the Potomac River into Virginia, where the dramatic chase concluded. Booth and his accomplice, David Herold, relied heavily on Confederate sympathizers for aid as they traveled through the Northern Neck region. Follow the Civil War Trails’ bugle signs to uncover the day-to-day saga of Booth’s final desperate hours.
Four Key Stops in King George
King George County serves as the final, critical leg of the escape route. The four markers here detail the last contacts Booth made before his capture.
Attempt to Cross the Potomac
Dahlgren Heritage Museum (3540 James Madison Parkway)
John Wilkes Booth and David Herold attempted to paddle across the Potomac River from Maryland into Virginia in the dead of night. This location is where they aimed to land, but when day broke, the two men found themselves still in Maryland, having veered of course about 9 miles upriver from where they started.
Gambo Creek Landing
Machodoc Creek Marina & Café (17088 Ferry Dock Road)
After rowing across the Potomac, Booth and Herold landed near here, successfully crossing the border into Confederate-friendly Virginia territory.
Cleydael House
7144 Peppermill Road near the intersection of Route 206 (Dahlgren Road) & Cleydael Boulevard
At the summer home of Dr. Richard H. Stuart, the fugitives sought medical attention for Booth’s broken leg. Stuart, suspicious of his visitors, gave them dinner but then sent them away.
Port Conway Crossing
Belle Grove Plantation Bed & Breakfast (9221 Belle Grove Drive)
Assisted by Confederate agents, Booth and Herold crossed the Rappahannock River here, leaving King George County for Caroline County, where the chase would finally end the following morning.
The Chase Ends Just Beyond King George
The manhunt officially concluded on April 26, 1865, at the Richard Garrett farm (south of Port Royal in Caroline County), where Union troops cornered and fatally shot Booth in a tobacco barn.
Continue Your Journey
View all the stops along the trail with the Civil War Trails interactive map here.
