As an expert in historical studies, I am well-versed in the annals of history, including the somber and often tragic tales of capital punishment. The question you've posed is a significant one, as it touches upon a pivotal moment in the history of the United States' legal system and its treatment of women.

The first woman to be executed by the United States government was Mary E. Surratt. She was found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, a crime for which she paid the ultimate price. The assassination of Lincoln was a turning point in American history, and the subsequent trial and execution of those involved, including Surratt, were fraught with controversy and debate.

Mary Surratt was born in 1823 and was a widow by the time of the Civil War. She owned a boarding house in Washington, D.C., which became a meeting place for a group of conspirators who were plotting against the government. The group included John Wilkes Booth, the man who ultimately assassinated President Lincoln. While Surratt's direct involvement in the plot remains a subject of debate, she was implicated by her association with the conspirators and by the fact that her boarding house was used for their planning.

The trial of the conspirators was swift and took place in a military tribunal rather than a civilian court, a decision that has been criticized for its lack of due process. Surratt, along with three others, was sentenced to death. Her sentence was handed down by the Commission, which stated: "**The Commission do, therefore, sentence her, the said MARY E. SURRATT, to be hanged by the neck until she be dead, at such time and place as the President of the United States shall direct.**"

On July 7, 1865, at 1:22 pm, Mary Surratt was executed, making her the first woman in U.S. history to be put to death by the federal government. Her execution was carried out in the courtyard of the Washington Arsenal Penitentiary, now known as the Old Penitentiary. She was hanged alongside three men, and her death was witnessed by a crowd of onlookers.

The execution of Mary Surratt has been a subject of historical debate. Some argue that she was a victim of her times, a woman caught up in events beyond her control. Others contend that she was a willing participant in the conspiracy and deserved the punishment she received. Regardless of one's stance on her guilt or innocence, her execution marked a dark chapter in the history of the United States and served as a stark reminder of the consequences of political violence.

In conclusion, Mary E. Surratt's story is one of tragedy and controversy. Her life and death serve as a cautionary tale about the complexities of justice and the heavy burden that history can place upon individuals. As we reflect on her legacy, it is important to consider the broader context of the era in which she lived and the lessons that can be drawn from her story.

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MARY E. SURRATT--the Commission do, therefore, sentence her, the said MARY E. SURRATT, to be hanged by the neck until she be dead, at such time and place as the President of the United States shall direct. At 1:22pm on July 7, 1865, Mary Surratt became the first woman ever to be executed by the United States government.Jul 7, 2013read more >>