Ford's Theatre has been used for various stage performances beginning in the 1860s. It is also the site of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. After being shot, the fatally wounded president was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died the next morning.

The theatre was later used as a warehouse and office building, and in 1893 part of it collapsed, causing 22 deaths. It was renovated and re-opened as a theatre in 1968.

The National Historic Site consisting of two contributing buildings, the theatre and the Petersen House, was designated in 1932.

The Ford's Theatre Museum beneath the theatre contains portions of the Olroyd Collection of Lincolniana. The collection includes multiple items related to the assassination, including the Derringer pistol used to carry out the shooting, Booth's diary and the original door to Lincoln's theatre box. In addition, a number of Lincoln's family items, his coat, some statues of Lincoln and several large portraits of the President are on display in the museum. The blood-stained pillow from the President's deathbed is in the Ford's Theatre Museum. In addition to covering the assassination conspiracy, the renovated museum focuses on Lincoln's arrival in Washington, his presidential cabinet, family life in the White House and his role as orator and emancipator. The museum also features exhibits about Civil War milestones and generals and about the building's history as a theatrical venue.

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Founded: 1860s
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in United States

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jason Sargent (13 months ago)
Ford's Theatre is a must-see historical stop. I highly recommend buying a ticket and hearing Ranger Miller speak. He is so knowledgeable and so entertaining! One of my favorite stops of my whole vacation. We spoke with him after the tour and he was so nice and so passionate about the history. There is so much to learn at Ford's Theatre and you have to go across the street to the Peterson House! Such an important part of our history! Loved loved loved it! Thank you National Parks! We'll done as always!
John Spillman (14 months ago)
My first time here to Fords theater. The tickets are free and you get to see the presidential booth, the theater, and the Peterson house across the street where President Lincoln passed. It's an amazing exhibit and part of our American history. There are quite a few stairs involved. Bring your walking shoes. Lots of pictures and informative posters along the way. Please take time to visit this, you'll be glad you did.
Kevin Doerksen (15 months ago)
Abraham Lincoln rates as one of the greatest Presidents in American history. Yet, at the pinnacle of success, at the age if 56, Lincoln was gunned down by John Wilkes Booth. To fully understand this event and its context, you need to visit this museum. Every American should. It is extremely well curated and draws you into the story of that fateful day. This event changed American history.
Paul leclercq (15 months ago)
Incredible Museum for such an important moment in the American history. You can see the location where Lincoln was shot and the Gun. There is an interesting Museum below the Theatre which explains a lot of the context. The Free ticket then gets you access to the house opposite where Lincoln actually died. You will probably need a couple of hours at least to do both museums.
Bill Oas (17 months ago)
Very fortunate to have been able to spend time in both the theatre and where Abe died across the street. Museum was primarily story boards which is not a museum to me, sorry. Don’t get me wrong they has many reproduction props and what they called the actual gun Booth used and a blood stained pillow from that awful night. Theatre was beautiful and held a historical string on my heart but was obviously restored/rebuilt to modern specs. Such as padded wide seats, modern lighting, etc. i wasnt expecting a play but was very impressed with the one provided. Top notch actors and legitimate emotion during the show. House where Abe died was a bit somber but knowing it was 100% rebuilt hurt the authenticity to me. Again the “aftermath” Museum was mainly storyboards which in my opinion isn’t a museum. I would expect more artifacts. Worth a visit to pay respects to the President and great man. But not something I would come to again.
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