Star Hotel

History: This hotel was owned and operated by the Henry Gouldman family. It was a Confederate spy headquarters and safe haven to those who aided Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

On April 26, 1865, 26 members of the 5th New York Cavalry arrived at the hotel. They had been given a tip that a Confederate named Willie Jett would be found there. Jett had been spotted near Port Royal when he escorted the assassin Booth and his accomplice David Herold across the Rappahannock.

Troops entered the hotel and found Jett asleep in a room with the Gouldman’s son Jesse. The soldiers mistook Jesse for the assassin, and nearly shot him. Jett was forced to confess he had left Booth at the Garrett farm.

More to Explore: For more information on things to see and do, please visit www.virginia.org.

Photo Credits:
   1. “Star Hotel Exterior” Courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism.