Leaders & Politicians · 19th Century
Abraham Lincoln’s Last Words
“She won't think anything about it.”— Abraham Lincoln, April 15, 1865
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
Abraham Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and abolished slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. He is widely regarded as America's greatest president.
The Final Moments
Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. while watching a play with his wife Mary. His last spoken words were in response to her asking if he minded others seeing them hold hands.
Are These Words Verified?
Mary Lincoln and others in the theater box reported these words, though Lincoln was shot minutes later and never spoke again after being shot. Some debate exists about exact phrasing.
Sources
- firsthand Mary Todd Lincoln testimony
- firsthand Ford's Theatre witness accounts
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper reports
Legacy
Lincoln's legacy as the Great Emancipator and preserver of the Union has made him one of the most revered figures in American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Abraham Lincoln’s last words?
“She won't think anything about it.”
How did Abraham Lincoln die?
Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865 at the age of 56. Cause of death: Gunshot wound.
Were Abraham Lincoln’s last words documented?
Mary Lincoln and others in the theater box reported these words, though Lincoln was shot minutes later and never spoke again after being shot. Some debate exists about exact phrasing.
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