The Execution of Mary Surratt: A Historical Guide

Abstract

In 1865, Mary Elizabeth Surratt became the first woman executed by the U.S. government for her role in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The trial and execution have been a topic of debate since 1865 and remain so today. In a controversial move, the eight civilians charged with conspiracy were tried by a military court rather than receiving a civil trial. Mary Surratt and three other conspirators were found guilty and sentenced to death. Despite attempts to stay her execution, Mary Surratt was hanged on July 7, 1865. Mary Surratt’s execution will be reevaluated utilizing a combination of social and gender history lenses, focusing on the treatment she received while imprisoned and the efforts made to save her from the gallows due to her sex. The public history project consists of a historical guide, which allows the audience to step back in time while visiting sites in and around Washington, D.C. The guide traces the controversy through significant locations such as the infamous boardinghouse, the location of the trial and execution, and the cemetery where Mary Surratt is buried. The guide will allow visitors to gain a unique perspective of the locations and individuals as they looked in 1865. The historical guide aims to educate the audience on the significance of Marry Surratt in American history.