The Ford’s Theatre
About Washington DC and the Ford's Theatre
Ford’s Theatre, a captivating blend of history and the arts, occupies a truly unique and hallowed position in American culture. This historic venue is far more than just a working theater; it’s a living testament to the nation’s past and the site of one of the most pivotal and tragic events in American history—the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. It’s a place where history dramatically unfolded right on the stage itself, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of the United States.
The historical significance of Ford’s Theatre cannot be overstated. It was within these very walls that President Lincoln, a beloved leader who had guided the nation through the tumultuous years of the Civil War, met his untimely end at the hands of John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. The theater’s Presidential Box, where the fateful incident occurred, stands as a solemn reminder of this tragic moment, preserving the memory of a president who gave his life in the pursuit of justice and equality. A visit to Ford’s Theatre is a profound and multi-dimensional experience, where the past and present intermingle, creating an atmosphere of reflection, inspiration, and appreciation for the enduring impact of history on our lives
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Other Destinations
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The Ford's Theatre
In April 14, 1865, Lincoln and his wife decided to visit the theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, snuck into the President’s Box and shot Lincoln with a single-shot Deringer pistol. Lincoln died at a boarding house located just across the street from the theatre.
Lincoln Memorial
The grand Lincoln Memorial towers over the Reflecting Pool, anchoring the western end of the National Mall. The best way to approach the memorial is from the east, by the Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial. This will put you at the edge of the Reflecting Pool, and honoring structures of leaders.
Vietnam Memorial
It’s the most-visited memorial on the National Mall in Washington, attracting more than 5 million people each year – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The most prominent feature of the memorial is a massive wall that lists the names of the more than 58,000 servicemen and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
Tidal Basin
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Korean War Veterans Memorial
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US Capitol Building
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World War II Veterans Memorial
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