About Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Ford's Theatre, originally built in 1833 as the First Baptist Church of Washington before being purchased by John T. Ford and converted to a theatre, is among the most famous theatres in the world. On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth went up to the presidential box, and shot Abraham Lincoln in the head. He then jumped down to the stage, yelled either "Sic semper tyrannis!" or "The South is avenged!" then ran out the back. Lincoln was carried accross the street to Petersen's Boarding House, where he was tended to through the night. At 7:22 am of the following day, Abraham Lincoln died.

After Lincoln's assassination, Congress issued an order prohibiting the theatre from ever being a place of public amusement, and paid Ford $100,000. Ford's Theatre was used for storage and offices until 1893, when a part collapsed, killing 22 people and injuring 68. It was then used as a government warehouse until 1931, then sat unused until 1964, when Congress approved funding for a restoration of the theatre, and in 1968, the restoration was complete.

Visiting Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Tours of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, which is Ford's Theatre and Petersen House, are available with a free timed-entry ticket. A ticket can be reserved or purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the tour.