NewsNovember 22, 2013

Fifty years ago, on Nov. 22, 1963, an assassin's bullet took the life of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, in downtown Dallas, Texas. Photos by the Associated Press tell the story of that tragic event and the sad days that followed.

The Friday, Nov. 22, 1963, issue of the Southeast Missourian brought the news of the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy to its readers.
The Friday, Nov. 22, 1963, issue of the Southeast Missourian brought the news of the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy to its readers.
Published Nov. 22, 1963
Dallas policemen with guns ready look up at building where shot came from that killed President John F. Kennedy and seriously wounded Gov. John Connally of Texas. Kennedy was on a whirlwind tour of Texas. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 22, 1963 Dallas policemen with guns ready look up at building where shot came from that killed President John F. Kennedy and seriously wounded Gov. John Connally of Texas. Kennedy was on a whirlwind tour of Texas. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
This is where President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot as his motorcade entered an underpass in Dallas. The President was en route to the Dallas Trade Mart. After the shooting, he was taken to the Parkland Hospital where he died. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 This is where President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot as his motorcade entered an underpass in Dallas. The President was en route to the Dallas Trade Mart. After the shooting, he was taken to the Parkland Hospital where he died. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963
Dallas police believe the fatal shots that killed President Kennedy were fired from the window, marked by a box, in the Dallas School Book Depository. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963 Dallas police believe the fatal shots that killed President Kennedy were fired from the window, marked by a box, in the Dallas School Book Depository. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963, pg. 10
Scene from the window in the building from which an assassin shot President John F. Kennedy.
Published Nov. 23, 1963, pg. 10 Scene from the window in the building from which an assassin shot President John F. Kennedy.
Nov. 22, 1963
The casket containing the body of John F. Kennedy is moved to a Navy ambulance from the presidential plane at Andrews Base. Mrs. Kennedy is behind it on elevator. Attorney General Robert Kennedy is beside her. Lawrence O'Brien of the White House staff is at right. Secret Service men are directly behind the casket. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 The casket containing the body of John F. Kennedy is moved to a Navy ambulance from the presidential plane at Andrews Base. Mrs. Kennedy is behind it on elevator. Attorney General Robert Kennedy is beside her. Lawrence O'Brien of the White House staff is at right. Secret Service men are directly behind the casket. (AP Wirephoto)
With the death of President John F. Kennedy from an assassin's bullet in Dallas today, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson will become the new President of the United States. Johnson is shown in his office in the Capitol building in Washington in 1962. (AP Wirephoto)
With the death of President John F. Kennedy from an assassin's bullet in Dallas today, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson will become the new President of the United States. Johnson is shown in his office in the Capitol building in Washington in 1962. (AP Wirephoto)
Published 11-23-63
Lyndon B. Johnson take the oath as President of the United States. Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, left, appointed by President Kennedy, administered the oath. Shock and grief showing on her face, Mrs. Kennedy is at right. (AP Wirephoto)
Published 11-23-63 Lyndon B. Johnson take the oath as President of the United States. Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, left, appointed by President Kennedy, administered the oath. Shock and grief showing on her face, Mrs. Kennedy is at right. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
A faint smile crosses the face of Lady Bird Johnson, the nation's new First Lady, a moment after her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, was sworn in as President of the United States in Dallas by Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, lower left. Still stunned by the assassination of President Kennedy that left her a widow is Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy. Among those in background are Texas congressman Albert Thomas, left, and Jack Brooks, extreme right. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 A faint smile crosses the face of Lady Bird Johnson, the nation's new First Lady, a moment after her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, was sworn in as President of the United States in Dallas by Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, lower left. Still stunned by the assassination of President Kennedy that left her a widow is Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy. Among those in background are Texas congressman Albert Thomas, left, and Jack Brooks, extreme right. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963
President Lyndon B. Johnson consoles Mrs. Kennedy moments after he was sworn in as President in the cabin of the presidential plane at Dallas' Love Field. The photo was made by Capt. Cecil Staughton, official White House photographer, the only camerman allowed to record the cemetery. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963 President Lyndon B. Johnson consoles Mrs. Kennedy moments after he was sworn in as President in the cabin of the presidential plane at Dallas' Love Field. The photo was made by Capt. Cecil Staughton, official White House photographer, the only camerman allowed to record the cemetery. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963
President Lyndon B. Johnson addresses his first remarks to the nation as its chief executive upon arrival at Andrews Base. With him is Mrs. Johnson. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963 President Lyndon B. Johnson addresses his first remarks to the nation as its chief executive upon arrival at Andrews Base. With him is Mrs. Johnson. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 21, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy gestures as she chats with Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson at Houston International Airport. Their famous husbands, President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, look on. The parties arrived in Houston to attend a dinner honoring Rep. Albert Thomas, D.-Texas. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 21, 1963 Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy gestures as she chats with Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson at Houston International Airport. Their famous husbands, President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, look on. The parties arrived in Houston to attend a dinner honoring Rep. Albert Thomas, D.-Texas. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
The new President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, speaks at Andrews Base upon his return to Washington from Dallas, where President Kennedy was shot to death. Mrs. Johnson is beside her husband. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 The new President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, speaks at Andrews Base upon his return to Washington from Dallas, where President Kennedy was shot to death. Mrs. Johnson is beside her husband. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963
This was the dramatic moment at the Dallas city jail Nov. 23, 1963, as nightclub owner Jack Ruby stepped forward and levelled a revolver at Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of President Kennedy. A second later Ruby pumped a bullet into Oswald's stomach from which he died several hours later. Jack Beers, staff photographer of the Dallas Morning News, made this picture. (Copyright, The Dallas Morning News, 1963, via AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963 This was the dramatic moment at the Dallas city jail Nov. 23, 1963, as nightclub owner Jack Ruby stepped forward and levelled a revolver at Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of President Kennedy. A second later Ruby pumped a bullet into Oswald's stomach from which he died several hours later. Jack Beers, staff photographer of the Dallas Morning News, made this picture. (Copyright, The Dallas Morning News, 1963, via AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963
Lee Harvey Oswsald begins to collapse as a bullet from the gun of nightclub owner Jack Ruby, fired at point blank range, smashes into his abdomen in the Dallas city jail building. Oswald, accused assassin of president Kennedy, died several hours later. This dramatic picture of the actual shooting was made by staff photographer Bob Jackson of The Dallas Times-Herald. (Copyright 1963, The Dallas Times-Herald and Photographer Bob Jackson)
Published Nov. 25, 1963 Lee Harvey Oswsald begins to collapse as a bullet from the gun of nightclub owner Jack Ruby, fired at point blank range, smashes into his abdomen in the Dallas city jail building. Oswald, accused assassin of president Kennedy, died several hours later. This dramatic picture of the actual shooting was made by staff photographer Bob Jackson of The Dallas Times-Herald. (Copyright 1963, The Dallas Times-Herald and Photographer Bob Jackson)
Nov. 24, 1963
Jack Ruby, Dallas nightclub owner, is being held as a gunman who shot Lee Harvey Oswald at point blank range at the Dallas city jail today. Oswald, accused assassin of President Kennedy, was critically wounded. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 24, 1963 Jack Ruby, Dallas nightclub owner, is being held as a gunman who shot Lee Harvey Oswald at point blank range at the Dallas city jail today. Oswald, accused assassin of President Kennedy, was critically wounded. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963
The casket bearing the body of President John F. Kennedy reaches the Capitol on a horse-drawn caisson. A symbolic riderless horse of a fallen chief is alongside. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963 The casket bearing the body of President John F. Kennedy reaches the Capitol on a horse-drawn caisson. A symbolic riderless horse of a fallen chief is alongside. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 24, 1963
Service men lift the flag-covered casket of John F. Kennedy off a caisson in front of the Capitol. Overhead a flag on the Capitol waves in the breeze. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 24, 1963 Service men lift the flag-covered casket of John F. Kennedy off a caisson in front of the Capitol. Overhead a flag on the Capitol waves in the breeze. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963
The casket of slain President John F. Kennedy reposes in the center of the magnificent Capitol rotunda Nov. 24, 1963, guarded by servicemen. Mrs. Kennedy holds her children by the hand at left center. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963 The casket of slain President John F. Kennedy reposes in the center of the magnificent Capitol rotunda Nov. 24, 1963, guarded by servicemen. Mrs. Kennedy holds her children by the hand at left center. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Mrs. John F. Kennedy, flanked by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, left, and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., right, walks backward from the flag-draped casket of her late husband today as she made a final visit to the Capitol rotunda where he lay in state. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Mrs. John F. Kennedy, flanked by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, left, and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., right, walks backward from the flag-draped casket of her late husband today as she made a final visit to the Capitol rotunda where he lay in state. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963, pg. 10
President Lyndon B. Johnson at the flag-draped coffin of John F. Kennedy.
Published Nov. 25, 1963, pg. 10 President Lyndon B. Johnson at the flag-draped coffin of John F. Kennedy.
Nov. 24, 1963
Mrs. John F. Kennedy walks down Capitol steps with daughter Caroline and son John Jr., after the slain President's casket was placed in the rotunda today. Behind her are members of the Kennedy family and president and Mrs. Johnson (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 24, 1963 Mrs. John F. Kennedy walks down Capitol steps with daughter Caroline and son John Jr., after the slain President's casket was placed in the rotunda today. Behind her are members of the Kennedy family and president and Mrs. Johnson (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 22, 1963
President John F. Kennedy, left, and Gov. John Connally of Texas (right) leave Love Field and were shot as they rode on caravan in Dallas, Texas, today. In center is a smiling Mrs. Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 22, 1963 President John F. Kennedy, left, and Gov. John Connally of Texas (right) leave Love Field and were shot as they rode on caravan in Dallas, Texas, today. In center is a smiling Mrs. Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, flanked by Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Sen. Edward Kennedy, near St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral for the funeral Mass for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, flanked by Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Sen. Edward Kennedy, near St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral for the funeral Mass for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy and two brothers-in-law head the procession as the body of the slain president is borne from the White House to St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral. At left is Attorney General Robert Kennedy and on right is Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963 Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy and two brothers-in-law head the procession as the body of the slain president is borne from the White House to St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral. At left is Attorney General Robert Kennedy and on right is Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy walks up steps of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral with her children, Caroline and John Jr., to attend the funeral Mass for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Following the widow is Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The slain president's son turned 3 years old the day of the funeral. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy walks up steps of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral with her children, Caroline and John Jr., to attend the funeral Mass for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Following the widow is Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The slain president's son turned 3 years old the day of the funeral. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Three-year-old John Jr., winds up a salute to his father's casket as he raises his arm in a boyish gesture outside St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Standing with the boy are his mother and his sister, Caroline. In rear, from left are: Sen. Edward Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Mrs. Peter Lawford and Mrs. Stephen Smith. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Three-year-old John Jr., winds up a salute to his father's casket as he raises his arm in a boyish gesture outside St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Standing with the boy are his mother and his sister, Caroline. In rear, from left are: Sen. Edward Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Mrs. Peter Lawford and Mrs. Stephen Smith. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963
John F. Kennedy Jr., 3 years old on Nov. 25, 1963, carried a religious booklet leaving St. Matthew's Cathedral after the funeral Mass for his slain father. Sister Caroline, who will be 6 on Nov. 27, looks up. She clutches her mother's hand. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963 John F. Kennedy Jr., 3 years old on Nov. 25, 1963, carried a religious booklet leaving St. Matthew's Cathedral after the funeral Mass for his slain father. Sister Caroline, who will be 6 on Nov. 27, looks up. She clutches her mother's hand. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963.
This is a general view near St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral today as one of the greatest arrays of foreign statesmen ever assembled marches past crowd in funeral procession for former President Kennedy. In front row, starting to right of man with hand to mouth are: Angier Biddle Duke, State Department chief of protocol; West German President Heinrich Luebke; French President Charles de Gaulle; Queen Frederika of Greece; King Boudouin of Belgium; Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia; President Diosdado Macapagal of The Philippines; President Chung Park Hee of South Korea, and two unidentified men. In seventh row at left-center wearing uniform with white cape is Prince Philip of Great Britain, and to left of him are Prince Bernhard and Crown Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands. In fourth row at right (behind Macapagal and next to man wearing white coat) is Anastas Mikoyan, deputy premier of U.S.S.R. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963. This is a general view near St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral today as one of the greatest arrays of foreign statesmen ever assembled marches past crowd in funeral procession for former President Kennedy. In front row, starting to right of man with hand to mouth are: Angier Biddle Duke, State Department chief of protocol; West German President Heinrich Luebke; French President Charles de Gaulle; Queen Frederika of Greece; King Boudouin of Belgium; Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia; President Diosdado Macapagal of The Philippines; President Chung Park Hee of South Korea, and two unidentified men. In seventh row at left-center wearing uniform with white cape is Prince Philip of Great Britain, and to left of him are Prince Bernhard and Crown Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands. In fourth row at right (behind Macapagal and next to man wearing white coat) is Anastas Mikoyan, deputy premier of U.S.S.R. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Casket carrying the body of the late President Kennedy is gently lifted by bearers at Arlington National Cemetery today as it reached its final resting place. A mourning widow, in center, is flanked by her husband's brothers, Robert, left, and Sen. Ted Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Casket carrying the body of the late President Kennedy is gently lifted by bearers at Arlington National Cemetery today as it reached its final resting place. A mourning widow, in center, is flanked by her husband's brothers, Robert, left, and Sen. Ted Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963
The horse-drawn caisson bearing the body of John Fitzgerald Kennedy turns into Memorial Bridge Monday on the way to Arlington National Cemetery. Crowds in foreground stand near the Lincoln Memorial. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 26, 1963 The horse-drawn caisson bearing the body of John Fitzgerald Kennedy turns into Memorial Bridge Monday on the way to Arlington National Cemetery. Crowds in foreground stand near the Lincoln Memorial. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
The flag-draped casket containing the body of the late President Kennedy is carried slowly through Arlington National Cemetery. The casket rests on a caisson drawn by six white horses as it moves past rows of white stones marking graves of military personnel interred on a Virginia hillside in the national shrine. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 The flag-draped casket containing the body of the late President Kennedy is carried slowly through Arlington National Cemetery. The casket rests on a caisson drawn by six white horses as it moves past rows of white stones marking graves of military personnel interred on a Virginia hillside in the national shrine. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
As the American flag is lifted from the casket bearing the body of the late President Kennedy, his widow puts hand to her mouth under her black veil to choke back her emotion. At her side in Arlington National Cemetery where the young president was buried today, is his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 As the American flag is lifted from the casket bearing the body of the late President Kennedy, his widow puts hand to her mouth under her black veil to choke back her emotion. At her side in Arlington National Cemetery where the young president was buried today, is his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
President John F. Kennedy was shot to death by a hidden assassin armed with a high powered rifle. This picture was made moments before he was shot. Sitting beside him is Mrs. Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 President John F. Kennedy was shot to death by a hidden assassin armed with a high powered rifle. This picture was made moments before he was shot. Sitting beside him is Mrs. Kennedy. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963
Many of the world's leaders stand in reverent silence in Arlington National Cemetery as the body of the late President Kennedy is lowered into its final resting place. Mrs. Kennedy, the President's widow, is at right foreground. Among those at graveside include France's President de Gaulle, center, with Ethiopian Emporer Haile Selassie beside him, and scores of others from all parts of the world ranged around them. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 25, 1963 Many of the world's leaders stand in reverent silence in Arlington National Cemetery as the body of the late President Kennedy is lowered into its final resting place. Mrs. Kennedy, the President's widow, is at right foreground. Among those at graveside include France's President de Gaulle, center, with Ethiopian Emporer Haile Selassie beside him, and scores of others from all parts of the world ranged around them. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 26, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy is handed the American Flag which covered the casket bearing the body of her husband, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, to its final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 26, 1963 Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy is handed the American Flag which covered the casket bearing the body of her husband, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, to its final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963
President Kennedy is shown only a moment before he was shot. In front of the Kennedys are Gov. and Mrs. John Connally. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963 President Kennedy is shown only a moment before he was shot. In front of the Kennedys are Gov. and Mrs. John Connally. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963
President Kennedy slumps against his wife as the bullet from an assassin's rifle strikes him in the head in Dallas Friday. Gov. John Connally of Texas, who was wounded in the attack, begins to turn around just to the left of Mrs. Kennedy. This picture was made by Mrs. Mary Ann Moorman, wife of a Dallas plumber, with a Polaroid camera. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 25, 1963 President Kennedy slumps against his wife as the bullet from an assassin's rifle strikes him in the head in Dallas Friday. Gov. John Connally of Texas, who was wounded in the attack, begins to turn around just to the left of Mrs. Kennedy. This picture was made by Mrs. Mary Ann Moorman, wife of a Dallas plumber, with a Polaroid camera. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963
An unidentified man stands on the bumper of the president's automobile to offer assistance while Mrs. Kennedy leans over the President, whose head shows just above the back seat. (AP Wirephoto)
Published Nov. 23, 1963 An unidentified man stands on the bumper of the president's automobile to offer assistance while Mrs. Kennedy leans over the President, whose head shows just above the back seat. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
Sen. Ralph Yarborough, D.-Tex., shows grief outside the Parkland Hospital in Dallas after the death of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was slain by an assassin as he rode in a motorcade en route to the Trade Mart where he was to make an address. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 Sen. Ralph Yarborough, D.-Tex., shows grief outside the Parkland Hospital in Dallas after the death of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was slain by an assassin as he rode in a motorcade en route to the Trade Mart where he was to make an address. (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963
Lee Harvey Oswald (AP Wirephoto)
Nov. 22, 1963 Lee Harvey Oswald (AP Wirephoto)
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!

Fifty years ago, on Nov. 22, 1963, an assassin's bullet took the life of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, in downtown Dallas, Texas. Photos by the Associated Press tell the story of that tragic event and the sad days that followed.

Story Tags

Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:

For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.

Advertisement
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!