10 Legendary Manhunts

The hunt for John Wilkes Booth lasted only 12 days, but at its time it was one of the largest and most intense searches in history.

Not content with making his name as an actor, the Confederate-sympathising Booth decided to murder President Abraham Lincoln. His hope was that the assassination would relaunch a Southern offensive, reigniting the Civil War.

Booth and his accomplice David Harold crossed the Potomac river, travelled through swampland and camped in forests, along the way relying on sympathisers and unwitting citizens to help them escape.

They were doomed from the start. Booth was well known, being an actor and all, so it was clear who the authorities were after. The army was sent after them and used the trail of people who assisted the pair to inch closer and closer.

Rewards were offered of up to $100,000 ($1,500,000 in today's money) for information leading to Booth's capture.

During the manhunt Booth heard information dripping in from across the country. Having thought he would be seen as a hero, he was a bit startled to find out he was being portrayed as a common cutthroat.

The cavalry caught up to him sleeping in a barn owned by a farmer named Richard Garrett. The barn was set on fire to draw Booth and Harold out, and while escaping the blaze Booth was shot in the neck: he would die soon afterwards.