Execution of Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt

Execution of Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt

Alexander Gardner

Execution of Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt on July 7, 1865, at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.

In the 19th century, some U.S. states reduced capital crimes, moved executions out of the public eye, or abolished the death penalty, with Michigan leading the way in 1846. However, many states retained capital punishment, and by the century's end, the electric chair had become a new method of execution, beginning with New York in 1890.

Library of Congress

1865-07-07

Photograph

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LC-B817- 7798 [P&P] LOT 4195

Library of Congress, https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cwpb.04230