Template:POTD/2010-04-14
George Atzerodt (1835–1865) conspired with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Atzerodt planned to assassinate Vice President Andrew Johnson on April 14, 1865. He got as far as the hotel where Johnson was staying, entered the hotel bar, and spent the evening drinking instead of attempting the assassination. Atzerodt's inquiries as to the whereabouts of Johnson raised suspicions soon after Lincoln's death, and authorities were notified. He was arrested on April 20 and executed along with three other co-conspirators by hanging on July 7.Photo: Alexander Gardner; Restoration: Lise Broer