Ford’s Theatre: Where Lincoln’s Remarkable Legacy Lives On

Ford’s Theatre is the scene of one of the most tragic events in American history; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This National Historic Site is composed of four parts: the Museum, the Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits. These sites have exhibits that tell the story of Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination, and the legacy Lincoln left.

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History of Ford's Theatre

Ford’s Theatre was originally the home of the First Baptist Church of Washington. John T. Ford bought the building after the congregation built a new church. Ford renovated the space into the theatre which he called “Ford’s Athenaeum”.

The site is most known for being the location of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Following the death of Lincoln, the US Government paid Ford $88,000 for the theatre. The building was taken over by the US military. The War Department used the first floor to store records, the Library of the Surgeon General’s Office was on the second floor, and the Army Medical Museum was housed on the third floor.

In 1893, the front section of the building collapsed killing 22 people and injuring another 68. The building was repaired and became the Record and Pension Office.

On Lincoln’s 123rd birthday, February 12, 1932, the building was transferred over to the National Park Service. The National Park Service has worked tirelessly to restore the theatre and create a memorial to the nation’s 16th president.

Lincoln's Assassination

On the evening of April 14, 1865, just 5 days after General Lee’s surrender in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln visited Ford’s Theatre to watch the play, Our American Cousin.

The play starred a famous actor, John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Booth was desperate to aid the dying Confederacy so he devised a plan to kidnap the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The plan later evolved into murdering these heads of state.

Since Booth was such a notable actor, he had free access to the entire theatre- including the Presidential Box. During the performance, John Wilkes Booth, snuck into the Presidential Box and shot Lincoln in the head. Afterwards, he dropped his Deringer pistol and leapt from the balcony on to the stage before fleeing the theatre.

The.44 caliber pistol, used to assassinate one of the nation’s most beloved presidents, is on display in the museum.

Ford's Theatre Today

This National Historic Site is composed of four parts: the Museum, Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits. Both the theatre and the Petersen House are National Historic sites. We suggest visiting all four of the locations below to get the full-experience. Together, these 4 locations chronicle the story of Lincoln from when he swore in as President to the days after his death.

The Museum

The museum features an impressive collection that follows Abraham Lincoln from the beginning of his presidency to his assassination. Through historical relics, visitors learn about his life in the White House, his role in the Civil War and his meetings with the abolitionist, Frederick Douglass.

The museum also introduces visitors to John Wilkes Booth. The exhibit explores Booth’s relationship with Lincoln, the root of his hatred toward the 16th president, and the group of people who conspired to decimate the US government.

The museum tour is self-guided. A visit to the museum takes about 30 minutes.

The Historic Ford's Theatre

The historic theatre is the scene of one of the most tragic events in American history; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The theatre looks very much like it did on that fateful evening. The President’s Box adorns an American flag and a portrait of President George Washington, just as it did in 1865.

The interior of the President’s Box is closed to the public to protect it from damage.

The theatre tour is self guided. A visit to the theatre takes about 30 minutes. There is a ranger on-site to answer any questions you may have.

The Petersen House

After Lincoln was shot, he was carried out of the theatre to the boarding house across the street. A crowd of people gathered outside as the doctor worked to save Lincoln’s life. Lincoln was surrounded by his wife, Mary, and several government officials.

The doctor gave hourly updates on the president’s condition. His final update came at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865; the nation’s 16th president had died.

The Aftermath Exhibits

This was my favorite part of the museum complex. The Aftermath Exhibits transport you to a Washington street the morning after Lincoln’s assassination. The exhibits tell the story of the crowds that gather to mourn the president, the funeral train back to Springfield, Illinois, and the 12-day hunt for John Wilkes Booth. The exhibit also covers John Wilkes Booth’s capture in Virginia, his trial, and the fate of Booth and his conspirators.

Naturally, the exhibits also cover the impact of Lincoln’s life and death on the American people.

Pro-Tip: If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack plenty of water. Summers in DC are extremely hot (and this is coming from a Florida girl) and you can easily get dehydrated. You may need to wait in line to access these sites and there is very little shade.

If you’re pressed for time, we suggest visiting the Historic Theatre and the Aftermath Museum.

If you have a little more time, we suggest taking the Metro to the Smithsonian Station and walking west down the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial.