On this episode of Our American Stories, after John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln in April 1865, the Booth name became synonymous with betrayal. But his older brother Edwin Booth was already one of America’s most celebrated actors, with deep roots in Boston and a reputation as a loyal supporter of the Union.

Historian and Our American Stories regular contributor Christopher Klein shares the story of how prominent Bostonians rallied around Edwin even as other members of the Booth family faced threats, arrest, and suspicion. Within a year, Edwin returned to the Boston stage to a thunderous welcome, even as the shadow of the Lincoln assassination threatened to erase his family’s legacy.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln in April 1865, the Booth name became synonymous with betrayal. But his older brother Edwin Booth was already one of America&rsquo;s most celebrated actors, with deep roots in Boston and a reputation as a loyal supporter of the Union. Historian and Our American Stories regular contributor Christopher Klein shares the story of how prominent Bostonians rallied around Edwin even as other members of the Booth family faced threats, arrest, and suspicion. Within a year, Edwin returned to the Boston stage to a thunderous welcome, even as the shadow of the Lincoln assassination threatened to erase his family&rsquo;s legacy.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate</a><a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Why Boston Stood by Edwin Booth After His Brother Assassinated Lincoln

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/14302319-7716-461d-9fd3-b4f2013acb28/transcript