Birth of Lee Harvey Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald was born in New Orleans on October 18, 1939, two months after the death of his father.
JFK assassination · permanent subject timeline
The accused assassin, his background, movements and arrest. This page combines historical context with 318 matching records drawn directly from the Kennedy Assassination History archive.
Historical context
Lee Harvey Oswald was a former U.S. Marine who had lived in the Soviet Union, returned to the United States, became active in pro-Castro politics in New Orleans and travelled to Mexico City in 1963. He worked at the Texas School Book Depository at the time of the assassination.
Oswald became the central suspect in both Kennedy's assassination and the killing of Dallas police officer J. D. Tippit. Because Jack Ruby killed Oswald before trial, much of the evidence about his actions was assessed through official investigations rather than a criminal prosecution.
Archive records
The records below are selected from the 1,932-record JFK assassination archive and are rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Birth of Lee Harvey Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald was born in New Orleans on October 18, 1939, two months after the death of his father.
Congress Street Residence
Marguerite Oswald moved with young Lee to a rented home on Congress Street after renting out the family property on Alvar Street.
Bartholomew Street Home
Marguerite Oswald purchased a modest frame house on Bartholomew Street, where the family lived while she attempted to support her children.
Bethlehem Childrens Home Admission
Oswald entered the Bethlehem Children's Home on December 26, 1942, and remained there for about thirteen months.
Victor Street Residence
Marguerite withdrew Lee from the children's home and moved with him to a house on Victor Street in Dallas.
Benbrook First Grade Admission
Lee entered first grade in the Benbrook Common School on October 31, 1945, with school records showing an incorrect birth date.
Harris Hospital Mastoidectomy
Lee entered Harris Hospital with acute mastoiditis and underwent an uncomplicated mastoidectomy before leaving four days later.
Covington Elementary Enrollment
Lee enrolled at Covington Elementary School in September 1946 and repeated first grade because he had not completed the previous year's work.
Clayton Public School Enrollment
Lee enrolled at Clayton Public School on January 27, 1947, and completed first grade there with generally good marks.
Clark Elementary Enrollment
Lee entered Clark Elementary School on March 19, 1948, after leaving Clayton Public School during his mother's divorce proceedings.
Ridglea West Elementary Transfer
Oswald transferred to Ridglea West Elementary School in September 1949 and remained there for three school years.
Public School 117 Enrollment
Lee enrolled in seventh grade at Public School 117 on September 30, 1952, after leaving the Lutheran school.
Trinity Lutheran School Enrollment
Lee attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School briefly before irregular attendance led to his withdrawal in September 1952.
Sheridan Avenue Bronx Residence
Marguerite and Lee moved to a one-room basement apartment on Sheridan Avenue in the Bronx after leaving John Pic's household.
Public School 117 Truancy
By January 16, 1953, Oswald had attended only a small fraction of his scheduled days at Public School 117 and had failing grades in most subjects.
Truancy Court Petition
A school attendance officer filed a court petition on March 12, 1953, alleging that Oswald had been excessively absent from school.
Public School 44 Registration
Lee registered at Public School 44 on March 23, 1953, after court proceedings increased pressure for him to resume attendance.
Youth House Remand
A New York judge declared Oswald a truant on April 16, 1953, and remanded him to Youth House for psychiatric study.
Hartogs Treatment Recommendation
Psychiatrist Renatus Hartogs recommended probation, child-guidance treatment for Lee, and family-agency assistance rather than immediate institutional placement.
Youth House Psychological Testing
While remanded to Youth House, Lee underwent psychological tests and interviews with a social worker, probation officer, and psychiatric staff.
Court Parole Release
Justice McClancy released Lee on parole until September 24 and requested referral to the Community Service Society for treatment.
Public School 44 Eighth Grade
Lee entered eighth grade at Public School 44 on September 14, 1953, while still under juvenile-court supervision.
Big Brothers Referral
The court continued Lee's parole and directed his probation officer to contact the Big Brothers counseling service for possible assistance.
Bronx Zoo Truancy Encounter
A school attendance officer located Lee at the Bronx Zoo during his period of persistent truancy from Public School 44.
Big Brothers Home Visit
A Big Brothers caseworker visited Lee and Marguerite at home, but Marguerite said further counseling was unnecessary.
Beauregard Junior High Enrollment
Oswald enrolled in the eighth grade at Beauregard Junior High School on January 13, 1954.
Return to New Orleans
Marguerite took Lee back to New Orleans before January 10, 1954, without first obtaining formal permission from the New York court.
New York Truancy Case Dismissed
The New York juvenile court dismissed Lee's truancy case on March 11, 1954, after he had returned to New Orleans.
Beauregard Ninth Grade
Lee entered ninth grade at Beauregard Junior High School and earned mediocre but generally acceptable marks.
Beauregard Achievement Tests
Achievement testing showed Lee performing well in reading and vocabulary but poorly in mathematics during ninth grade.
Beauregard Personal History Form
On a school personal-history form, Lee listed military service among his future plans and stated that he had no close school friends.
Warren Easton High School Enrollment
Lee entered tenth grade at Warren Easton High School in the fall of 1955 but remained there only about a month.
Forged School Withdrawal Note
Lee presented Warren Easton High School with a withdrawal note he had written himself and signed using his mother's name.
First Marine Enlistment Attempt
Soon after his sixteenth birthday, Oswald tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the Marines using a false age affidavit.
Tujague Messenger Employment
Lee began work as a messenger for Gerald F. Tujague, Inc., earning about $130 per month.
Civil Air Patrol Membership
Lee briefly belonged to the Civil Air Patrol while living in New Orleans during his teenage years.
Dolly Shoe Company Stockboy
Lee worked mainly Saturdays for about ten weeks at the Dolly Shoe Company, where his employer remembered him as a stockboy.
J R Michels Office Boy
Lee worked briefly as an office boy for J. R. Michels, Inc., before taking messenger work at the Pfisterer Dental Laboratory.
Arlington Heights High School Dropout
Lee left Arlington Heights High School on September 28, 1956, less than a month before entering the Marine Corps.
Socialist Party Information Request
Oswald wrote to the Socialist Party of America on October 3, 1956, describing himself as a Marxist and requesting information about its youth league.
Marine Corps Enlistment
Oswald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 24, 1956, six days after his seventeenth birthday.
Marine Recruit Depot Arrival
Oswald reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego on October 26, 1956, for basic training.
Marine Recruit Aptitude Testing
Marine aptitude testing found Lee above average in reading and vocabulary but below average in arithmetic and pattern analysis.
M1 Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification
Oswald scored 212 with the M1 rifle on December 21, 1956, qualifying as a Marine sharpshooter.
Pfisterer Dental Laboratory Employment
Lee worked for several months as a messenger at the Pfisterer Dental Laboratory before moving back to Fort Worth.
Camp Pendleton Infantry Training
Lee reported to Camp Pendleton for further infantry training with A Company, First Battalion, Second Infantry Training Regiment.
Jacksonville Aviation Training
Oswald reported to the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Jacksonville on March 18, 1957, for aviation fundamentals instruction.
Promotion to Private First Class
The Marine Corps promoted Lee to private first class effective May 1, 1957, while he was completing aviation training.
Confidential Security Clearance
Oswald received final clearance to the confidential level on May 3, 1957, after local record checks disclosed no derogatory information.
Jacksonville Aviation Course Completion
Lee completed Aviation Fundamental School in Jacksonville, ranking 46th among 54 students after six weeks of specialized instruction.
Keesler Course Graduation
Lee completed the Keesler radar course on June 17, 1957, ranking seventh in a class of thirty Marines.
Aviation Electronics Operator MOS
The Marine Corps assigned Lee the military occupational specialty of Aviation Electronics Operator on June 25, 1957.
Departure for Japan
Oswald departed from San Diego on August 22, 1957, en route to Yokosuka, Japan, for overseas duty.
USS Bexar Voyage to Japan
Lee departed San Diego aboard the USS Bexar on August 22, 1957, traveling with Marine replacements bound for Japan.
Yokosuka Arrival
The USS Bexar reached Yokosuka on September 12, after which Lee joined Marine Air Control Squadron 1 at Atsugi.
MACS-1 Radar Assignment
After arriving in Japan, Oswald was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 1 at Atsugi as a radar operator.
Accidental Pistol Wound
A privately owned .22-caliber pistol discharged from Oswald's locker on October 27, 1957, wounding him in the left elbow.
Philippine Maneuvers Deployment
Five days after leaving the hospital, Lee's squadron embarked for military maneuvers in the Philippine Islands.
Return Voyage from Philippines
Lee's unit departed Corregidor aboard the USS Wexford County on March 7, 1958, returning to Atsugi eleven days later.
First Court Martial
Oswald faced a court-martial on April 11, 1958, for possessing an unregistered privately owned weapon in violation of orders.
First Court Martial Sentence
Lee received a sentence including reduction to private and financial forfeitures following his first Marine court-martial.
Bluebird Cafe Incident
A dispute with a Marine sergeant at the Bluebird Cafe led to charges that produced Lee's second court-martial.
Second Court Martial
Oswald was court-martialed a second time on June 27, 1958, after an altercation with a noncommissioned officer.
Court Martial Confinement Ends
Lee remained confined following his second court-martial until August 13, 1958, after earlier suspended confinement was reinstated.
MACS-9 Assignment
Oswald was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 9 at El Toro on December 22, 1958, and worked with a radar crew.
Corregidor Exercises
While deployed in the Philippines, Lee's Marine unit participated in exercises at Corregidor before returning to Japan.
Russian Language Test
Oswald took a Marine foreign-language qualification test in Russian on February 25, 1959, and received poor ratings in all tested areas.
Private First Class Rank Restored
Lee was promoted again to private first class effective March 1, 1959, after having previously been reduced in rank.
Albert Schweitzer College Application
Lee applied to Albert Schweitzer College in Switzerland for the spring 1960 term, listing philosophy, psychology, ideology, and writing among his interests.
Marine GED Testing
Marine educational testing gave Lee an overall satisfactory rating, with his strongest scores in English composition and physical sciences.
Hardship Discharge Board Recommendation
A Marine hardship board recommended approval of Lee's request for early active-duty release because of his mother's claimed dependency.
Passport Application
Oswald applied for a United States passport on September 4, 1959, while preparing to leave active Marine service.
Release from Active Duty
Oswald was released from active Marine duty on September 11, 1959, and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve.
European Passage Booking
Oswald booked passage from New Orleans to Le Havre aboard the freighter SS Marion Lykes on September 17, 1959.
Liberty Hotel Registration
Before sailing to Europe, Lee registered at the Liberty Hotel in New Orleans on the evening of September 17.
SS Marion Lykes Departure
The SS Marion Lykes sailed from New Orleans early on September 20, 1959, carrying Oswald as one of four passengers.
Le Havre Arrival
Oswald disembarked at Le Havre on October 8, 1959, and continued his journey toward northern Europe.
Helsinki Arrival
Oswald flew to Helsinki on October 9, 1959, after telling British customs officials that he planned to remain in Britain for a week.
Southampton Customs Declaration
Lee told British customs officials that he planned a week in Britain before attending school in Switzerland, then flew to Helsinki that day.
Soviet Visa Application
Lee probably applied for his Soviet entry visa at the Russian consulate in Helsinki on October 12, the first business day after arrival.
Soviet Visa Issued
The Soviet consulate issued Oswald a visa on October 14, 1959, permitting a single visit of no more than six days.
Vainikkala Border Crossing
Lee traveled by train from Helsinki and crossed the Finnish-Soviet border at Vainikkala on October 15.
Moscow Arrival
Oswald arrived in Moscow on October 16, 1959, and registered at the Hotel Berlin as a student.
Rima Shirokova Intourist Assignment
Intourist assigned Rima Shirokova as Lee's Moscow guide shortly after his arrival, and she assisted him with Soviet authorities.
Supreme Soviet Citizenship Letter
With assistance from his Intourist guide, Lee mailed a letter to the Supreme Soviet requesting Soviet citizenship.
Botkinskaya Psychiatric Ward
Following his wrist injury, Lee spent three days in Botkinskaya Hospital's psychiatric ward before doctors transferred him to another department.
Moscow Self Harm Incident
After being told to leave Moscow, Oswald cut his left wrist and was taken unconscious to Botkinskaya Hospital.
Soviet Visa Expiration Order
On October 21, 1959, Soviet officials informed Oswald that his visa had expired and ordered him to leave Moscow within two hours.
Metropole Hotel Registration
After leaving the hospital, Lee checked out of the Hotel Berlin and registered at Moscow's Metropole Hotel.
Embassy Citizenship Renunciation Attempt
Lee appeared at the American Embassy and declared that he wanted to renounce his United States citizenship.
Soviet Citizenship Request
Soon after reaching Moscow, Oswald told his Intourist guide that he wanted to leave the United States and become a Soviet citizen.
Citizenship Revocation Letter
Lee wrote the American Embassy requesting revocation of his citizenship after consular officials had delayed his attempted renunciation.
Aline Mosby Interview
United Press International reporter Aline Mosby interviewed Lee for about two hours regarding his decision to remain in the Soviet Union.
Priscilla Johnson Interview
Journalist Priscilla Johnson interviewed Lee at the Metropole Hotel for roughly five hours about his politics, defection, and Soviet citizenship hopes.
Stateless Identity Document
Soviet authorities issued Oswald an identity document for stateless persons on January 4, 1960, and assigned him to live in Minsk.
Soviet Red Cross Grant
A Soviet agency described as the Red Cross gave Lee 5,000 rubles before his relocation from Moscow to Minsk.
Minsk Arrival
Oswald arrived in Minsk on January 7, 1960, where Soviet officials arranged accommodation and employment.
Belorussian Factory Employment
Oswald began work at the Belorussian Radio and Television Factory on January 13, 1960, as a metal worker.
Minsk Hunting License
Lee obtained a Soviet hunting license on June 18, 1960, while living and working in Minsk.
Sixteen Gauge Shotgun Purchase
Soon after receiving his hunting license, Lee purchased a single-barrel sixteen-gauge shotgun in Minsk.
Marine Reserve Undesirable Discharge
The Marine Corps Reserve changed Lee's discharge status to undesirable on September 13, 1960, while he was living in the Soviet Union.
Ella German Marriage Proposal
After spending New Year's Day with Ella German's family, Lee proposed marriage to her the following evening and was rejected.
Soviet Citizenship Reconsideration
On January 4, 1961, Oswald told Soviet officials that he no longer wanted Soviet citizenship and requested only an extension of his residence permit.
Request to Recover Passport
In February 1961, Oswald asked the American Embassy to return his passport and said that he wanted to return to the United States.
Meeting Marina Prusakova
Oswald met Marina Prusakova at a trade-union dance in Minsk around March 17, 1961, and began seeing her soon afterward.
Marriage to Marina Prusakova
Oswald married Marina Prusakova in Minsk on April 30, 1961, after completing the required civil registration procedures.
Lumumba University Application Rejected
Patrice Lumumba Friendship University rejected Lee's application because the institution was reserved for students from developing regions.
Return to America Embassy Letter
The American Embassy received Lee's letter announcing his marriage and asking about possible prosecution if he returned to the United States.
Unannounced Moscow Embassy Visit
Lee appeared unexpectedly at the closed American Embassy on July 8 and contacted consul Richard Snyder by telephone.
American Passport Restored
After an embassy interview in July 1961, officials concluded that Oswald had not expatriated himself and returned his American passport.
Soviet Exit Visa Paperwork
Lee and Marina submitted the numerous certificates, photographs, and forms required for Soviet permission to leave the country.
Soviet Exit Visa Approval
On December 25, 1961, Marina was informed that Soviet exit visas would be granted to her and Oswald.
Senator John Tower Assistance Letter
Lee wrote Senator John Tower seeking help because Soviet authorities had not yet allowed him and Marina to leave.
International Rescue Committee Request
Lee asked the International Rescue Committee for $800 to finance travel from Moscow to Texas for himself and Marina.
John Connally Discharge Appeal Letter
Lee wrote John Connally asking for help overturning his Marine discharge, mistakenly believing Connally remained Secretary of the Navy.
Birth of June Lee Oswald
Lee became a father when Marina gave birth to their daughter June Lee in Minsk on February 15, 1962.
Marina Visa Approval Notice
Lee received notice that immigration authorities had approved Marina's application for a United States visa.
Belorussian Factory Departure
At his request, Lee left his job at the Belorussian Radio and Television Factory as the family's departure plans neared completion.
Soviet Exit Visa Collected
Lee collected his Soviet exit visa on May 22 and prepared to travel with Marina and June to Moscow.
Moscow Final Emigration Papers
Lee and Marina completed documents at the American Embassy in Moscow, where Marina received her United States visa.
Embassy Repatriation Loan
Lee signed a promissory note for a $435.71 United States repatriation loan to finance the family's return journey.
Departure from Soviet Union
Oswald, Marina, and their daughter crossed the Soviet frontier at Brest on June 2, 1962, while traveling toward Western Europe.
Maasdam Departure from Holland
Lee, Marina, and June departed Holland aboard the SS Maasdam on June 4, beginning their Atlantic crossing to the United States.
Return to United States
The Oswald family arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, aboard the Maasdam on June 13, 1962.
Times Square Hotel Stay
New York welfare officials helped the returning Oswald family obtain a room at the Times Square Hotel after their arrival from Europe.
Flight to Fort Worth
Oswald, Marina, and their daughter flew from New York to Texas on June 14, 1962, after receiving family assistance with the fare.
Love Field Family Reunion
Robert Oswald met Lee, Marina, and June at Love Field after their flight from New York to Texas.
Robert Oswald Travel Assistance
After initially resisting family assistance, Lee accepted money sent by his brother Robert to help finance the trip from New York to Texas.
Peter Gregory Russian Test
Oswald met Peter Gregory on June 19, 1962, demonstrated his ability to read Russian, and obtained a letter supporting his language skills.
FBI Interview June 26
FBI agents questioned Lee about his Soviet residence; he declined to explain why he had gone there and denied providing intelligence information.
Russian Manuscript Typing
Oswald hired public stenographer Pauline Bates to type notes about his Soviet experiences shortly after his return to Fort Worth.
Louv-R-Pak Employment
Oswald obtained work as a sheet-metal worker with the Louv-R-Pak Division of Leslie Welding Company during July 1962.
FBI Interview August 16
The FBI interviewed Oswald on August 16, 1962, about his Soviet residence, and he denied making any agreement with Soviet representatives.
Russian Community Dinner
Peter Gregory invited the Oswalds to a dinner attended by members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Russian-speaking community.
Worker Newspaper Subscription
Lee subscribed to the Worker and continued corresponding with American socialist and Communist organizations after returning from the Soviet Union.
Dallas Employment Commission Registration
Oswald registered with the Texas Employment Commission in Dallas on October 9, 1962, while seeking new work.
Leslie Welding Departure
Lee stopped reporting to Leslie Welding and moved to Dallas, later asking the company to forward wages owed to his post office box.
Post Office Box 2915
Lee rented post office box 2915 at Dallas's main post office while separating temporarily from Marina and seeking employment.
Jaggars Chiles Stovall Referral
The Texas Employment Commission referred Oswald to Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall on October 11, 1962, for a photoprint trainee position.
Jaggars Photoprint Employment Begins
Lee began work as a photoprint trainee at Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall, producing advertising prints after being selected from several applicants.
Dallas YMCA Residence
Lee moved into the Dallas YMCA on October 15 and stayed there for several nights while beginning work at Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall.
Elsbeth Street Apartment
Oswald rented an apartment at 604 Elsbeth Street in Dallas on November 3, 1962, and reunited there with Marina.
Thanksgiving Family Reunion
Lee and Marina traveled by bus to Fort Worth for Thanksgiving dinner with Robert Oswald and John Pic.
Crozier Typing Course
Oswald enrolled in a typing course at Crozier Technical High School on January 14, 1963, and began attending classes later that month.
Revolver Order under Hidell
Using the name A. J. Hidell, Oswald dated an order for a Smith & Wesson.38 revolver on January 27, 1963.
Everett Glover Gathering
Oswald and Marina attended Everett Glover's gathering on February 22, 1963, where Marina met Ruth Paine.
Neely Street Apartment
The Oswald family moved to 214 West Neely Street on March 3, 1963, carrying their belongings without hired assistance.
Carcano Rifle Order
Using the name A. Hidell, Oswald ordered a rifle from Klein's Sporting Goods in Chicago on March 12, 1963.
Crozier Typing Course Ends
After irregular attendance, Lee stopped attending his evening typing course at Crozier Technical High School around March 28.
Backyard Photographs
Marina Oswald photographed Lee Harvey Oswald at the Neely Street residence holding a rifle and political newspapers, with a revolver strapped to his belt.
Walker Residence Photographs
During the weekend of March 9-10, Oswald photographed areas around General Edwin Walker's Dallas residence while planning an attack.
Jaggars Employment Termination
Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall dismissed Lee for inadequate work and difficulty getting along with fellow employees.
Oswald Shooting at Edwin Walker
According to Marina's testimony and the Warren Commission, Oswald fired a rifle at General Edwin Walker on April 10, 1963, but missed.
Dallas Unemployment Claim Denied
Texas employment officials denied Lee's unemployment claim because he lacked sufficient wage credits.
Fair Play for Cuba Contact
The FBI's New York office was advised that Oswald had contacted the Fair Play for Cuba Committee and claimed to have distributed its literature in Dallas.
Departure for New Orleans
Lee left Dallas by bus for New Orleans after failing to secure new employment in the Dallas area.
Lillian Murret Temporary Residence
After reaching New Orleans, Lee stayed temporarily with his aunt Lillian Murret while searching for work.
Louisiana Employment Registration
Oswald registered with the Louisiana Department of Labor on April 26, 1963, seeking work in photography, shipping, or darkroom occupations.
Father Grave Visit
During his return to New Orleans, Lee visited the cemetery where his father was buried and searched for surviving paternal relatives.
Reily Coffee Company Application
Lee applied to William B. Reily Company and listed two apparently fictitious references, Robert Hidell and J. Evans.
Reily Coffee Company Employment
Lee began work at the Reily coffee company at 640 Magazine Street, earning $1.50 per hour.
FPCC Charter Response
The Fair Play for Cuba Committee replied that a New Orleans chapter would need more participants before a formal charter could be issued.
Fair Play for Cuba Membership
Oswald applied for membership in the Fair Play for Cuba Committee after obtaining literature from the organization's national office.
New Orleans FPCC Charter Request
Oswald wrote the Fair Play for Cuba Committee requesting authority to create a New Orleans chapter and offered to rent a small office at his own expense.
Dumaine Street Leafleting
Oswald distributed Hands Off Cuba literature near the USS Wasp at the Dumaine Street wharf, one of his earliest documented public FPCC activities in New Orleans.
Passport Application
Oswald applied for a new United States passport while planning foreign travel that eventually developed into his September journey toward Mexico City and a hoped-for visit to Cuba.
Passport Approved
The State Department routinely approved Oswald's passport application; the Warren Commission later found no evidence that special intervention accelerated its issuance.
Fair Play for Cuba Printing
Using the name Lee Osborne, Oswald ordered Fair Play for Cuba Committee leaflets, applications, and membership cards for a proposed New Orleans chapter.
Hands Off Cuba Printing
Using the name Lee Osborne, Oswald ordered handbills, applications, and membership cards for the New Orleans Fair Play for Cuba Committee chapter he was attempting to create.
Bringuier Store Visit
Oswald visited Carlos Bringuier's store on August 5, 1963, and presented himself as willing to assist anti-Castro Cuban activities.
Guerrilla Training Claim
Oswald told Bringuier that his Marine experience included guerrilla-warfare training and offered to help train Cubans opposed to Castro.
Second Bringuier Store Visit
Oswald returned to Bringuier's store and left his Marine guidebook after discussing possible assistance to opponents of Fidel Castro.
Bringuier Confrontation
A confrontation developed when Carlos Bringuier and other anti-Castro Cubans encountered Oswald distributing pro-Castro literature.
Canal Street FPCC Leafleting
Oswald distributed Fair Play for Cuba Committee literature in downtown New Orleans, bringing his pro-Castro activity into direct contact with anti-Castro Cuban exiles.
Disturbing the Peace Arrest
New Orleans police arrested Oswald after the confrontation surrounding his Fair Play for Cuba Committee leafleting.
Fair Play Leafleting Arrest
Police arrested Oswald on August 9, 1963, after a confrontation with Cuban exiles while he distributed Fair Play for Cuba leaflets.
FBI Jail Interview
At Oswald's request, FBI agent John Quigley interviewed him in jail about his background and Fair Play for Cuba Committee activities.
FPCC Membership Claims
During the FBI interview, Oswald falsely described a larger New Orleans FPCC membership and referred to the fictitious A. J. Hidell as its president.
Disturbing Peace Guilty Plea
Oswald pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace on August 12, 1963, and paid a ten-dollar fine.
Leafleting Case Guilty Plea
Oswald pleaded guilty to the disturbing-the-peace charge arising from the August 9 confrontation and paid a ten-dollar fine.
International Trade Mart Leafleting
Oswald again distributed Fair Play for Cuba literature on August 16, 1963, this time outside the International Trade Mart.
International Trade Mart Leafleting
Oswald distributed Fair Play for Cuba Committee literature outside the International Trade Mart with hired assistance.
Television Coverage of FPCC Activity
Local television news filmed Oswald's Fair Play for Cuba Committee leafleting, giving his pro-Castro campaign wider public exposure.
WDSU Radio Interview
Broadcaster William Stuckey recorded a radio interview with Oswald on August 17, 1963, concerning the Fair Play for Cuba Committee.
WDSU Stuckey Interview
William Stuckey recorded an interview in which Oswald discussed the Fair Play for Cuba Committee and presented himself as its New Orleans spokesman.
Soviet Defection Raised in Debate
During the WDSU debate, Oswald was confronted publicly with his years in the Soviet Union, weakening his effort to present the FPCC as a local political movement.
WDSU Carte Blanche Debate
Oswald debated Carlos Bringuier and Edward Butler on WDSU's Conversation Carte Blanche program on August 21, 1963.
WDSU Radio Debate
Oswald debated Carlos Bringuier and Edward Butler on WDSU, defending the Castro government and his Fair Play for Cuba Committee activity.
Mexican Tourist Card
The Mexican consulate in New Orleans issued Oswald a tourist card on September 17, 1963, for travel to Mexico City.
Mexico Tourist Card Application
Oswald applied for a Mexican tourist card as he prepared a trip that he hoped would enable travel through Cuba to the Soviet Union.
Austin Appearance Allegation
The Warren Commission later rejects an allegation that Oswald appeared at an Austin Selective Service office during his journey.
Continental Trailways Bus 5121
The Warren Commission reconstruction places Oswald on the afternoon Continental Trailways service from New Orleans toward Houston.
Departure for Mexico
Oswald left New Orleans by bus for Mexico, carrying documents intended to support his efforts to obtain Cuban and Soviet travel permission.
Departure from New Orleans for Mexico
Oswald left New Orleans by bus on September 25, 1963, beginning his journey toward Mexico City.
Fair Play Claim to Twiford
Oswald tells Mrs. Twiford that he belongs to the Fair Play for Cuba Committee while trying to arrange a meeting with her husband.
Mexico Flight Claim
Oswald tells Mrs. Twiford that he cannot wait for her husband's return because he says he is flying to Mexico.
Mexico Trip Funds
After cashing the unemployment check, Oswald has about $200 available for his trip through Mexico.
No Austin Airline Record
The Commission finds no airline record supporting the claim that Oswald diverted from his bus journey to visit Austin.
Twiford Contact Question
Oswald asks Mrs. Twiford how her husband obtained his name and address from Socialist Labor Party contacts.
Twiford Telephone Call
During the journey west, Oswald telephones the home of Socialist Labor Party member Horace Elroy Twiford.
Unemployment Check Cashed
Oswald cashes his unemployment check at a store near Magazine Street, increasing the funds available for his journey.
Unemployment Check Collected
Oswald collects a $33 Texas unemployment compensation check from his New Orleans post office box before beginning his Mexico trip.
Baggage Claim 320435
Oswald checks his larger bag through toward Mexico City under baggage claim number 320435.
Bus Stop Meals
During the long bus trip, Oswald gets off at stops to eat and is repeatedly observed dining alone.
Continental Trailways Bus 5133
Oswald boards Continental Trailways bus 5133 at 2:35 a.m. for Laredo by way of Corpus Christi and Alice.
Fair Play Secretary Claim
Oswald tells fellow passengers that he is secretary of the New Orleans branch of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee.
Fidel Castro Meeting Hope
During the bus journey, Oswald says that he hopes to meet Fidel Castro after reaching Cuba.
Flecha Roja Bus 516
Oswald boards Flecha Roja bus 516 at Nuevo Laredo for the overnight journey to Mexico City.
Hotel Cuba Recommendation
Oswald tells two Australian passengers that the Hotel Cuba in Mexico City is inexpensive and clean.
Laredo Border Crossing
Oswald crosses from Laredo into Nuevo Laredo between about 1:30 and 2 p.m. during his journey south.
Limited Spanish Ability
Witnesses conclude that Oswald speaks little or no Spanish, consistent with notes later found among his travel materials.
Previous Mexico Stay Claim
Oswald tells Australian passengers that he had stayed at the Hotel Cuba before, a claim the Commission considered false.
Spanish Phrase Request
Oswald asks another passenger how to say a simple offer of help in Spanish when two women board with heavy luggage.
Arrival in Mexico City
Oswald arrived in Mexico City and quickly began visiting Cuban and Soviet diplomatic offices in pursuit of transit permission.
Communist Party Membership Claim
According to evidence reviewed by the Commission, Oswald claims Communist Party membership while presenting documents to Cuban officials.
Cuba-Restricted Passport
Oswald carries his 1963 United States passport, which is stamped invalid for travel to Cuba.
Cuban Airline Address Book Entry
Oswald carries the address and telephone number of a Cuban airline in his address book.
Cuban Consulate Visa Application
Oswald sought a Cuban transit visa and represented his Fair Play for Cuba Committee activity as evidence that he was friendly to the Cuban Revolution.
Cuban Embassy Visa Request
Oswald visited the Cuban Embassy on September 27, 1963, seeking permission to travel through Cuba on his way to the Soviet Union.
Duran Details Copied to Address Book
Oswald copies Silvia Duran's name and the Cuban diplomatic telephone number into his address book.
Friend of Cuban Revolution Claim
Oswald presents his Fair Play for Cuba Committee activity as evidence that Cuban officials should regard him as friendly to the revolution.
Hotel del Comercio Registration
Within about an hour of arriving in Mexico City on September 27, 1963, Oswald registered at the Hotel del Comercio.
Hotel del Comercio Room 18
Oswald is assigned room 18 at the Hotel del Comercio, where he remains throughout his Mexico City stay.
Hotel Occupation Entry
At the Hotel del Comercio, Oswald registers his occupation simply as photo.
Hotel Room Cost
Oswald's room at the Hotel del Comercio costs $1.28 per day, consistent with his economical travel arrangements.
Kostin Reference
Oswald later refers to a Soviet official as Kostin, which the Commission interprets as a reference to Valeriy Kostikov.
Marriage Evidence Presented
Oswald uses proof of marriage to Soviet citizen Marina Oswald as evidence supporting his request for onward travel.
Mexico City Bus Arrival
The bus carrying Oswald reaches Mexico City at about 10 a.m., roughly fifteen minutes behind schedule.
No Cuban Airline Office Visit
The Commission finds evidence that Oswald never visited the Cuban airline office whose details appeared in his address book.
No Cuban Entry Visa
On reaching Mexico City, Oswald has neither a regular Cuban visa nor an in-transit Cuban visa.
Odessa Visa Reference
During a recorded consular telephone exchange, Oswald says that he needs visas in order to go to Odessa.
Passport Photographs Returned
Oswald returns to the Cuban diplomatic compound later in the day carrying passport photographs for his application.
Planned Cuba Entry Date
Oswald tells Cuban consular staff that he intends to travel to Cuba on September 30.
Planned Cuba Stay
Oswald states that he expects to remain in Cuba for about two weeks or longer before continuing toward the Soviet Union.
Russian Letters Presented
Oswald presents letters written in Russian as part of the documentary case supporting his visa application.
Soviet Consular Contact
Oswald visits the Soviet diplomatic compound and seeks a visa for entry into the Soviet Union.
Soviet Embassy Telephone Call
A caller later identified as Oswald telephones the Soviet Embassy at about 10:37 a.m. seeking consular assistance for visas.
Soviet Embassy Visa Request
During his Mexico City visit, Oswald went to the Soviet Embassy and unsuccessfully sought a Soviet visa.
Soviet Residence Evidence Presented
Oswald presents his previous Soviet residence as supporting evidence while seeking permission to travel through Cuba.
Soviet Visa Not Issued
Oswald fails to obtain a Soviet visa during his initial visit to the Soviet diplomatic compound.
Soviet Work Permit Presented
Oswald shows a Russian-language work permit from his Soviet residence while pressing his Cuban visa request.
Visa Delay Anger
Oswald becomes angry when informed that the Cuban visa cannot be issued before Soviet entry permission is obtained.
Repeated Embassy Contacts
Oswald again contacts the Soviet and Cuban diplomatic establishments after failing to secure the required visas on his first day.
Second-Day Visa Failure
By the end of September 28, Oswald has still failed to obtain either Soviet entry permission or a Cuban in-transit visa.
Bullfight Visit Recounted
Marina later recalls Oswald saying that he attended a bullfight while in Mexico City, most plausibly on Sunday afternoon.
H O Lee Reservation Entry
The return-bus reservation is recorded as H. O. Lee, apparently from the name order shown on Oswald's tourist card.
Return Ticket Purchase
Oswald purchases international exchange orders for bus travel from Mexico City to Laredo and onward to Dallas.
Return Travel Cost
The travel orders for Oswald's return journey cost $20.30, covering Mexican and United States bus segments.
Seat 12 Reservation
Oswald's travel agency reservation assigns seat 12 for the northbound Transportes del Norte journey.
Transportes del Norte Bus 332 Reservation
A travel agency reserves Oswald a seat on Transportes del Norte bus 332 scheduled to leave Mexico City on October 2.
Cinema Visit Evidence
The Commission concludes that Oswald apparently attended one or more motion pictures during his Mexico City stay.
Cuban Consulate Dispute
Oswald became agitated during unsuccessful visa discussions, and Cuban consul Eusebio Azcue rejected his demand for immediate permission to enter Cuba.
Cuban Visa Condition
Cuban officials told Oswald that a Cuban transit visa depended on his obtaining Soviet permission for onward travel to the Soviet Union.
Economical Mexico Meals
Restaurant evidence indicates that Oswald chose low-cost lunches and spent roughly forty to forty-eight cents per meal.
Embassy Travel Across City
Because the Soviet and Cuban diplomatic compounds were distant from his hotel, Oswald repeatedly crossed a substantial part of Mexico City.
Hotel Morning Absences
The Hotel del Comercio maid recalls that Oswald was generally gone by the time she arrived for work at about 9 a.m.
Jai Alai Plan
Notes in Oswald's dictionary and city map suggest that he considered attending a jai alai match but probably did not go.
Late Hotel Returns
The Hotel del Comercio night watchman recalls that Oswald usually returned to the hotel around midnight.
Mexico City Sightseeing
Oswald later describes sightseeing during the period when he was no longer occupied continuously with visa applications.
Museum Visits Recounted
After returning to Texas, Oswald tells Marina that he visited museums during his stay in Mexico City.
No Hotel Companion Observed
Witnesses at the hotel and nearby restaurant report seeing Oswald alone rather than in the company of known associates.
Requested Records Not Purchased
Despite a reminder in his dictionary, Oswald does not buy the Mexican phonograph records Marina had asked him to obtain.
Restaurant Lunch Routine
Oswald eats several inexpensive lunches at a small restaurant immediately beside the Hotel del Comercio.
Restaurant Menu Pointing
Unable to communicate comfortably in Spanish, Oswald orders food at a nearby restaurant by pointing to the menu.
Souvenir Bracelet
Oswald brings Marina a bracelet bearing her name, although the Commission doubts that the item was actually purchased in Mexico.
Tourist Postcards Purchased
Oswald buys postcards showing bullfights and tourist attractions and later brings them back to Marina.
Hotel Bill Paid
Oswald pays his Hotel del Comercio account through the night of October 1 before departing the following morning.
Border Officials Complaint
A fellow passenger hears Oswald complain about Mexican immigration officials after he is allowed to return to the bus.
Bus 340 Manifest Rejected
The Commission determines that Oswald did not travel on Transportes Frontera bus 340 despite a later-added Oswld entry on its manifest.
Customs Banana Incident
A passenger recalls Oswald hurriedly eating a banana near customs, apparently believing he could not carry the fruit into the United States.
Departure from Mexico City
Oswald left Mexico City by bus on October 2, 1963, beginning his return journey to the United States.
Early Taxi to Bus Station
The hotel night watchman recalls helping Oswald obtain a taxi at about 6:30 or 7 a.m. for his departure.
Mexican Border Document Check
Mexican officials temporarily remove Oswald from the bus at the border because of an alleged irregularity in his tourist papers.
Monterrey Relief Bus Transfer
At Monterrey, Oswald and other passengers transfer to relief bus 373 for the continuing journey toward Laredo.
Northbound Bus Departure
Transportes del Norte bus 332 leaves Mexico City at about 8:30 a.m. with Oswald aboard.
Overhead Reading Light
A fellow passenger remembers Oswald keeping his overhead light on to read during the late-night return bus journey.
Dallas Bus Arrival
Oswald arrives in Dallas at about 2:20 p.m. after returning from Mexico by bus.
Greyhound Bus 1265
Oswald boards Greyhound bus 1265 from Laredo to Dallas at about 3 a.m.
International Bridge Return
Oswald crosses the International Bridge into Texas at about 1:35 a.m. on October 3.
Post-Mexico Unemployment Claim
After reaching Dallas, Oswald visits the employment commission and files another unemployment compensation claim.
Return From Mexico
Oswald returned to the Dallas area after failing to obtain the Cuban and Soviet visas he had sought in Mexico City.
Return Route via San Antonio
Oswald's Greyhound journey to Dallas passes through San Antonio and substantially follows the Interstate 35 corridor.
YMCA Registration
Oswald spends the night at the YMCA and registers as a serviceman to avoid paying the membership fee.
Mexico Trip Disappointment
Marina later testifies that Oswald returned disappointed and discouraged because his effort to reach Cuba had failed..
Padgett Printing Application
The day after returning from Mexico, Oswald applies for work as a typesetter trainee at Padgett Printing.
North Beckley Room Rental
Oswald rented a room at 1026 North Beckley Avenue on October 14, 1963, registering under the name O. H. Lee.
Depository Job Interview
Roy Truly interviewed Oswald at the Texas School Book Depository on October 15, 1963, and hired him as a temporary order filler.
Depository Employment Begins
Oswald began work at the Texas School Book Depository on October 16, 1963, filling customer book orders for $1.25 an hour.
Curtain Rod Story to Frazier
On November 21, 1963, Oswald asked Buell Wesley Frazier for a ride to Irving, saying that he wanted to collect curtain rods.
Final Evening at Paine Home
Oswald spent the evening of November 21 at the Paine home, attempted to reconcile with Marina, watched television, and retired around 9 p.m.
Brown Paper Package
Linnie Mae Randle saw Oswald approaching Frazier's car on November 22 carrying a long brown paper package.
Dallas Police Interrogation Begins
Police began interrogating Oswald at about 2:30 p.m. on November 22, starting a series of questioning sessions lasting about twelve hours in total.
Departure from Paine Home
Oswald left the Paine residence at about 7:15 a.m. on November 22, 1963, before Marina or Ruth Paine saw him leave.
Depository Departure
The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald left the Texas School Book Depository at approximately 12:33 p.m., before police sealed the building.
Discarded Zipper Jacket
The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald discarded his light-colored zipper jacket while fleeing from the Tippit shooting scene.
Elm Street Bus Ride
The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald boarded a Dallas bus after leaving the Depository and rode for only several minutes before getting off.
Fingerprints and Palmprints Taken
Dallas Police identification personnel took Oswald's fingerprints and palmprints during his first evening in custody for comparison with recovered evidence.
Jefferson Boulevard Flight
Witnesses identified Oswald as the armed man who fled from the Tippit shooting area toward Jefferson Boulevard.
Kennedy Murder Charge
Later on November 22, Dallas authorities charged Oswald with murdering President John F. Kennedy.
Paraffin Tests Administered
Dallas Police administered paraffin tests to Oswald's hands and right cheek in an attempt to detect residues associated with recently firing a weapon.
Pre-Lineup Pocket Search
Before the first identification lineup, police searched Oswald and removed five cartridges and additional personal property from his pockets.
Roominghouse Return
Oswald returned to his North Beckley roominghouse at about 1 p.m. on November 22 and left again a few minutes later.
Second Floor Baker Encounter
Shortly after the assassination, Officer Marrion Baker encountered Oswald near the second-floor lunchroom, and Roy Truly identified him as an employee.
Sixth Floor Givens Encounter
Charles Givens testified that he saw Oswald on the sixth floor around 11:55 a.m. on November 22, carrying a clipboard.
Texas Theatre Arrest
Dallas police arrested Oswald inside the Texas Theatre at approximately 1:50 p.m. on November 22, 1963.
Texas Theatre Entry
Oswald entered the Texas Theatre without purchasing a ticket while police searched the Oak Cliff area for Tippit's killer.
Tippit Killing Finding
The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald shot and killed Dallas Patrolman J. D. Tippit at about 1:16 p.m. on November 22.
Tippit Murder Charge
Dallas authorities charged Oswald with the murder of Patrolman J. D. Tippit on the evening of November 22, 1963.
Whaley Taxi Ride
After leaving the bus, Oswald took a taxicab driven by William Whaley toward Oak Cliff and got out near North Beckley Avenue.
Fingernail and Hair Samples Collected
With Oswald's consent, Dallas Police identification personnel collected fingernail scrapings and hair specimens for possible forensic comparison.
John Abt Lawyer Request
While in custody, Oswald sought New York attorney John Abt to represent him and declined an immediate Dallas Bar Association offer of counsel.
Saturday Evening Interrogation Session
Police brought Oswald back to Fritz's office for an evening interrogation that included renewed questioning about the rifle photographs and related evidence.
Saturday Interrogations
Investigators questioned Oswald during three interrogation sessions on November 23, totaling about three hours.
Death of Lee Harvey Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald was declared dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital at 1:07 p.m. on November 24, 1963, after being shot by Jack Ruby.
Police Basement Transfer
Dallas police brought Oswald into the basement on November 24 for his announced transfer to the county jail.
Shooting by Jack Ruby
Jack Ruby shot Oswald in the Dallas police basement at about 11:21 a.m. on November 24, 1963, during his transfer to the county jail.
Sunday Final Custody Questioning
Oswald was brought from jail to Fritz's office for the final questioning session attended by Dallas detectives and federal investigators before the planned transfer.
Sunday Final Interrogation
Oswald underwent a final period of questioning on November 24 before his planned transfer from the city jail to the county jail.
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by Kennedy Assassination History.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from the site's structured JFK assassination records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
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