Ford’s Theatre Collapsed in 1893 and Took 22 Lives With It
On June 9, 1893, the floors of Ford’s Theatre pancaked into the basement, killing 22 federal clerks 28 years after Lincoln was shot in the same building.
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre on 10th Street NW is where Abraham Lincoln was shot on the evening of April 14th, 1865. Beyond that famous night, the building has a long history as one of Washington’s premier performance venues. These posts explore the history of Ford’s Theatre, the events of that April evening, and the building’s life before and after the assassination.
The Program for April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theater – The Night President Lincoln Was Assassinated
Take a look at the program from April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theater – the night President Lincoln was assassinated. You can see the characters, actors and the ticket prices for the show. Incredible to think of what that audience experienced that night.
Pictures Tell a Story: Exploring an Old Photograph of Ford’s Theatre
Explore an old photograph of Ford’s Theatre with us in the new “Pictures Tell a Story” series. We’ve dug up some fascinating facts about the people and buildings in the photo, including a prosthetic legs store and Georgetown College.
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.
Uncovering History: Check Out This Cool Stereograph from 1927
Explore history with this cool 1927 stereograph from the Library of Congress. Take a look and uncover the past!
Uncovering the Actual Playbill for the Play Lincoln and His Wife Attended on April 14th, 1865
Check out this incredible find – the actual broadside advertising the play that President Lincoln and his wife chose to attend on the fateful night of April 14th, 1865. Click the image for great details.
The Assassination of President Lincoln: The War Department’s Wanted Poster
The assassination of President Lincoln is one of the most tragic events in the history of Washington. Learn about the War Department’s wanted poster for the conspirators and the massive hunt for them in the days following the assassination.
The Petersen House in 1907: Tourists Skipped Where Lincoln Died
In February 1907, the Washington Times printed a long lament that tourists were skipping the Petersen House where Lincoln died, even though Osborn Oldroyd’s 3,000-piece Lincoln collection filled every room.
Celebrating Victory: The Workmen’s Visit to Lincoln and the White House on April 10th, 1865
On April 10th, 1865, workmen from the Washington Navy Yard, accompanied by a band, visited Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles to congratulate them and celebrate the Union victory in the Civil War. Lincoln addressed the men and requested a performance of “Dixie” to close the celebration.