In 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre. On that day, President Lincoln and his wife were in the presidential box on the second floor of the theatre. During the play, the president was shot at close range by an intruder who had sneaked into the box. The assassination went unnoticed by the rest of the audience, so Lincoln couldn’t be taken to the White House immediately. Instead, he was taken to Petersen House, a building across the street, where he received medical attention. However, he passed away the next morning. The presidential box at Ford’s Theatre, the site of the assassination, is still preserved and adorned with a portrait of the first President, George Washington, and the American flag. The basement of Ford’s Theatre has been transformed into a museum dedicated to President Lincoln, making it a popular tourist spot.
Petersen House across the street from Ford’s Theatre
Petersen House, where President Lincoln took his last breath, is now a museum exhibiting items related to Lincoln’s funeral and the perpetrator of the assassination. Visitors can tour the room where Lincoln received medical care after being shot, as well as the rooms where his wife and son waited. The atrium of the house features a tower made of stacked publications related to Lincoln, showcasing the immense love and admiration he received from the American people. Additionally, the silk hat worn by President Lincoln on the day of the assassination is on display at the National Museum of American History, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is also worth visiting.
Tickets required for entry
Both Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House offer free admission, but tickets are required for tours, making advance reservations essential. There might be a small fee for making reservations, but it’s worth paying to ensure a timely and hassle-free tour of these popular tourist spots.
Experience the same atmosphere in an active theater
Ford’s Theatre is still an active theater, and with a purchased ticket, visitors can enjoy live performances. Watching a play in the same theater where President Lincoln once sat adds a unique and immersive dimension to the tourist experience, almost like stepping back in time.
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