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John Wilkes Booth’s Acting Debut at Ford’s Theatre

On November 2nd, 1863, John Wilkes Booth made his acting debut at Ford's Theatre. Check out this advertisement from the Daily National Republican and learn more about Booth's debut in Baltimore on our sister site.
Crack shot of White House police force. Washington, D.C., Aug. 10. Outstanding marksman of the White House police force is Roland Ford, today averaged 294 bullseyes out of a possible 300 while shooting in competition with marksmen from other agencies in the Treasury Department. Forty-eight experts competed for medals and cup for themselves and their services in the friendly matches, 8/10/37
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Before he committed his heinous act at Ford’s Theatre, John Wilkes Booth actually performed on stage. On Monday, November 2nd, 1863, he made his acting debut at Ford’s Theatre. Below is an advertisement that we found in the Daily National Republican, printed on October 31st.

John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre
John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre

Source: Library of Congress

His days acting at Ford’s Theatre surely provided him with the knowledge of the building needed to make his escape.

Also, don’t forget to check out what our sister site in Baltimore dug up on Booth’s debut in that city.

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