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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.
Heads White House police. Washington, D.C., June 25. Lieut. John M.D. McCubbin was today promoted to Captain of the White House police force. A Member of the force since 1922 he succeeds Capt. A.A. Walters, retired (Library of Congress)
Herbert and Lou Hoover on footbridge at Rapidan Camp
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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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