The History of Washington and Ford’s Theatre
Every building in Washington has its own story, which is perhaps why the city is known as a city of museums. The building I am standing in front of is Ford’s Theatre, one of the oldest theaters in Washington. While known for its interesting theatrical traditions and rich repertoire, Ford’s Theatre remains in the spotlight primarily due to a historical assassination.
April 14, 1865: The President’s Assassination
On April 14, 1865, the then-president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated while watching a play at this theater. The perpetrator of the murder was John Wilkes Booth, an actor at the same theater. It was an assassination of a political nature.
During the loudest scene of the play, Booth fired at the president and managed to flee the scene. Shortly after, it was determined that he was hiding on a farm. When the farm was surrounded, Booth refused to surrender; consequently, the farm was set on fire, and subsequent gunfire ended Booth’s life. Thus, Abraham Lincoln became the first US president to be assassinated.
Lincoln’s Legacy
It is important to note that Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents of the United States. Today, Lincoln’s image appears on the $5 bill and the 1-cent coin. His grave is located at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. Additionally, the Lincoln Memorial, completed in 1922, is located in Washington, D.C.
