Conspirator's Lair

Built approximately 1820, the Star Hotel was one of two taverns serving Bowling Green. During the Civil War, it was operated by the Henry Gouldman family, and became a notorious Confederate spy headquarters and safe haven to those who aided Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. About 12:30 a.m. on April 26, 1865, a 26-member Union posse comprised of the 5th New York Cavalry, under the command of Lt. Edward P. Doherty and two members of the National Detective Police, arrived at the hotel, following a tip that a Confederate named Willie Jett would likely be found there. Earlier, Jett had been spotted near Port Royal when escorted Booth and his accomplice David E. Herold across the Rappahannock.

Troops surrounded the building, entered and found Jett asleep in a room with the Gouldman's son Jesse, who was badly wounded from the battle of Petersburg. Expecting to find Booth, the soldiers mistook Jesse for the assassin, and nearly shot him which forced Jett to reveal he had left Booth at the Garrett farm. When he learned the troops had already passed there, Jett expressed grave doubt they would find Booth when they returned. Under arrest, Jett led the posse back to Garrett's, where he had left Booth for safe hiding.

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Show me all markers in:  Bowling Green, VA  |  Caroline County  |  22427  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Caroline Veterans Memorial
Caroline County, Virginia
Town of Bowling Green
Campaign of 1781
Caroline County Courthouse
Confederate Monument
Caroline County World War I Memorial
1864 Union Occupation of Bowling Green
The Honorable J. Peyton Farmer Circuit Courthouse
John Cephas

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