About Us

Mission

The mission of Dr. Mudd Elementary School is to stimulate lifelong learning for all students by structuring a nurturing environment where high expectations, diversity, creativity, motivation and progress are recognized as students take their valued place in our community.

Dr. Mudd Elementary School Character Pledge

Today I am respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.  I will do my best to make Dr. Mudd a special place.

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School Name

Dr. Samuel A. Mudd was born in Charles County, Maryland on December 20, 1833.  He attended public schools in Charles County.  He then attended college at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and went on to receive a medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.  He returned to Charles County to practice medicine and run the family farm.  Dr. Mudd married his childhood sweetheart Sarah Dyer, and had nine children.

On April 15, 1865 he set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth who had just shot President Lincoln hours before at Ford's Theater in Washington.  Booth stayed for 12 hours at Dr. Mudd's house then proceeded south into Virginia.  Several days later Dr. Mudd was arrested ;and charged with conspiracy in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.  He was tried along with the other conspirators and sentenced to life imprisonment narrowly averting the death penalty by just one vote.  He was sent to Fort Jefferson Prison on Dry Tortagus Island in the Florida Keys.  In 1867, a yellow fever broke out at the prison and Dr. Mudd helped save many lives during this epidemic despite the fact that, he too, had contracted the disease. A petition was signed by all of the troops at the prison citing his outstanding efforts in saving many lives.  Early in 1869, President Andrew Johnson signed the pardon releasing Dr. Mudd from prison.

He came home to Charles County, and regained his medical practice.  Dr. "Sam", as he was affectionately known, settled in to a quiet life on the farm.  Sadly, in early 1883, he contracted pneumonia and died on January 10, 1883 at the young age of 49.  However, his story does not end there.  For over 130 years his descendants have fought to have his name cleared from all charges.  This debate continues to this day.  Despite both Presidents Carter and Reagan's statements of belief in his innocence, only the Army can overturn his conviction.  Currently, there is a lawsuit pending in U.S. Circuit Court fighting for his innocence.