Talk With History

Podcast Episode 108: The End of John Wilkes Booth at the Garrett Farm

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Episode notes

🎙 Attention: These new shirts may cause history-inspired travel

In this episode of Talk With History, hosts Scott and Jen dive into the compelling story of John Wilkes Booth's final days, highlighting the Garrett family's significant but often overlooked role.

The narrative begins with a recount of the day Booth was seen at Ford's Theatre and tracks his movements up to his arrival at the Garrett farm, where he ultimately meets his fate. The podcast sheds light on the sequence of events leading to Booth's capture and death, emphasizing the Garrett family's unintentional involvement and the subsequent impact on their lives.

The hosts also discuss historical inaccuracies in portrayals of these events, notably in the miniseries Manhunt, and explore broader themes of historical memory and public perception. The episode is enriched by a detailed account of the hosts' visit to Richard B. Garrett's grave, providing a personal and reflective angle on Booth's manhunt and the aftermath for those inadvertently caught in the historical narrative.

Full video from Garrett Grave

Podcasts on Lincoln:

#8: Lincoln Assassination Facts You Never Knew

#68: Visiting Grant Hall: Location of the Lincoln Conspirator trial

#81: Lincoln Presidential Museum: An Immersive Experience

#82: Top Tips for Visiting Lincoln's Home and Tomb in Springfield, Illinois

0:00 Manhunt

00:52 A Day in the Life of John Wilkes Booth

04:19 Moving to Tennessee: New Beginnings

05:06 Exploring the Lincoln and Kennedy Assassinations

09:14 Visiting the Garrett Family: A Connection to History

21:46 The Capture at the Garrett Farm