8. Booth Broke His Leg During Escape
After assassinating President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth leapt from the presidential box onto the stage, reportedly shouting “Sic semper tyrannis!”—Virginia’s state motto meaning “Thus always to tyrants.” In the process, he fractured his left leg. Some historians believe this injury occurred during the leap, while others suggest it happened later during his escape on horseback. The National Park Service notes that Booth’s diary entry states, “in jumping broke my leg,” but also mentions that he may have injured his leg while riding his horse away from the crime scene (nps.gov).
