Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is the working theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on 14 April 1865, and it remains a fully functional performance venue. It also contains a museum in the basement documenting Lincoln's presidency and assassination, and the Lincoln Museum in the house across the street.

The theatre interior has been restored to its 1865 appearance. The presidential box where Lincoln sat is decorated as it was that night, including the Treasury Guard flag draped over the railing. Admission covers the museum and access to the theatre when it's not in use for performances. Tours take about an hour. The location — three blocks from the National Portrait Gallery in Penn Quarter — makes it a natural addition to a day in that neighbourhood.

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After Lincoln was shot on the night of 14 April 1865, he was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died the following morning. The Petersen House, now also a museum, preserves the room where Lincoln lay — including the actual pillow, still stained. Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House are managed together; the ticket covers both.

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