In this upcoming special bonus episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history.

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dive into the lesser-known aspects of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We explore the intriguing story of Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box during the tragic event.

We discuss how the assassination was initially intended to be a kidnapping, and how it evolved into a conspiracy involving multiple targets, including Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward. Rathbone, who was a Union Army officer, reacted heroically during the assassination attempt, attempting to apprehend John Wilkes Booth after he shot Lincoln. However, Rathbone was severely injured in the process.

As we unravel Rathbone's life post-assassination, we reveal the toll that the traumatic event took on his mental health, leading to paranoia and ultimately a tragic incident where he fatally harmed his wife, Clara. We touch on the complexities of his trial, where he was deemed insane, and his subsequent life in an asylum in Germany.

This episode not only sheds light on the assassination itself but also highlights the ripple effects it had on the lives of those involved, particularly Rathbone, whose story is often overshadowed by Lincoln's legacy. Join us next week as we tease an upcoming episode about Grover Cleveland and a bizarre mystery involving a "rubber face."

Thank you for tuning in to Beyond Mount Rushmore, where we uncover the history you never knew you needed!

In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into a lesser-known aspect of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. While most people are aware that Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theater, few know about Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box that fateful night. Rathbone not only witnessed the assassination but also bravely attempted to stop John Wilkes Booth, resulting in a struggle that left him wounded and traumatized. We explore the question of whether Booth could have been stopped and examine the fate of Rathbone, a man who ultimately faded into obscurity despite his courageous actions. Join us as we uncover this gripping historical narrative and reflect on the night the curtain fell. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!