Ford's Theater: Where Abraham Lincoln Was Shot
Written: Mar 23 '07 (Updated Jan 10 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Historically significant
Cons: long lines, no reverence.
The Bottom Line: Ford's Theater didn't give me the sense of awe I was expecting. Perhaps I was expecting too much. It felt like a walk through a maze with a bunch-of-rodents.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Ford's Theater |
I've been to Washington DC many many times but until last week never visited the National Historic Site of Ford's Theater. I was fortunate to make it my first destination of the day near the opening time of 9AM. This is a very popular site for school trips from March till July. As it was, there was a long line up to the corner. Fortunately the line does move rather quickly as large groups are allowed in. As with most National Historic Sites there is no admission charge.
My Visit to the Theater
After waiting on line for perhaps fifteen minutes I entered the brick building that was once a church. Following the crowd I walked the stairs up that led me to the balcony. It was weird because as I looked at the flag draped Presidential Box where Lincoln was shot, I saw it all the opposite of how I had imagined. From images I have seen of the assassination I always thought the box was on the left side of the theater facing the stage. No, it's on the right. A Park Ranger was at the top of the balcony area fielding questions at the time. The visit to Ford's Theater is a self-guided tour so you can stay and talk a while or set your own pace.
This is a working theater and visits can be cut short because of rehearsals and other use of the theater. I didn't know that the only view of the Presidential Box would be from a distance and only from the balcony. Was I being a bit morbid, because of my curiosity of wanting to see the scene from closer proximity? The sounds of all the tourists babbling on and seeming disinterested also took my attention away.
The Lincoln Museum
After spending perhaps ten minutes looking and listening I proceeded downstairs to the Lincoln Museum. This area displays many artifacts pertaining to the assassination including the coat Lincoln was wearing with a sleeve ripped off. The reason for that was because someone wanted a "souvenir" of the shooting and tore it off. It was recovered later and though never stitched back on, is resting on the coat.
Items that John Wilkes Booth, the assassin, had that night are displayed as well as information about him and other conspirators including Dr. Mudd whose name brought on the words, "His name is Mud". The other conspirators were also noted and their fate was expressed as being hanged. Mudd was sent to the island prison off the Florida Keys that is now known as Dry Tortugas National Park.
A large collection of Lincoln busts fill a corner. I Guestimate 30. I never did count when I was there. A small gift shop is just off the museum area. It was there I cancelled my Passport to National Parks book and also purchased an embroidered patch for my National Parks collection.
Closing Thoughts
I should remind all that just across the street from Ford's Theater is Petersen's Boarding House. That's where Lincoln was brought after he was shot and where he died. Because I was absolutely alone in there for perhaps ten minutes, I did get a sense of loss that Lincoln's assassination brought. A review of that site will be posted soon.
FYI and on a more upbeat note the International Spy Museum that is fact filled and fun is just a block away and great for kids and adults alike. I believe the historic site followed up by a more frivolous couple of hours presents good balance for kids on a learning vacation.
All in all, I would have to say I was disappointed in the tour. Perhaps I was expecting more and there really wasn't more to expect. I believe it was the distance from the Presidential Box and the irreverent walk through of so many people that I didn't get any sense of awe I expected. Lincoln's assassination was a terrible blow to our country. That doesn't come through in this National Park Site. I do however suggest visiting because of the history it holds. Maybe your experience will be more heartfelt than mine.
A fine read about assassin Booth's 12 days on the run.
James L. Swanson - Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Books
The Peterson House Where Lincoln Died. It's just across the street from the theater
Abe Lincoln's Hat A children's story that gives a fine introduction to the man.
The Waffle Shoppe Across the Street from Ford's Theater
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
US Navy Memorial Just a block or two from the American Museum of Art
Spy City Cafe Local eats next to the Spy Museum
Recommended:
Yes
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