When visiting Washington, D.C. a few years ago, I really had little idea of the historical importance of Ford's Theatre. I'm almost a little ashamed to admit that now, considering that this famous theatre was the place where President Lincoln was shot. We were given a little background on the theatre, but I must admit that I wasn't all that excited about visiting it when informed that we would be going to see a play there. Of course, as were most of the planned trips we took while in Washington, D.C., this one was also taken on a bus with about 100 other high school seniors. Our bus put us right in front of the theatre, which was certainly a plus considering the crowds and traffic that plague the area. At the beginning of the evening, I was just happy to be getting out of the hotel for a little while. However, as the evening progressed and our visit to Ford's Theatre got underway, I actually began to get a little excited about visiting the site of what is possibly one of the most important events in our country's history.

Our visit to Ford's Theatre was quite different than what most people experience, and this setup had some definite bonuses and also some disadvantages. One major advantage was that we actually got to see a play performed in this historic theatre. I must admit that this was a little freaky, considering that Lincoln was shot here doing the exact same thing. Seeing a play here at night was also a certain bonus because we got to escape the crowds that usually take the guided tour. And, since it was the Christmas season, we got to see "A Christmas Carol" performed in Ford's Theatre. Having seen this play numerous times, I was a little bored going into the play, but just knowing that we were watching it in such a historic building made even this play exciting. As far as actually touring Ford's Theatre, I would highly recommend trying to catch a play here if at all possible.

One of the more interesting things about seeing a play in Ford's Theatre was that we were up in the balcony which gave us an excellent view of the private seat where Lincoln was shot. No one is allowed to sit there during the play of course, but it is roped off and looks to be as wonderfully kept as it must have been during the 1800s when Lincoln was seated there. Such a display sitting right in front of my eyes was certainly a distraction during the play, but not an unwelcome one. I must admit that I was probably more attentive to the place where Lincoln was shot, than the actual play that we were there to see. I was mesmerized and couldn't take my eyes off of it for more than a few minutes at a time. It was just unbelievable to me that I was actually sitting in Ford's Theatre, looking at the place where one of our Presidents was shot and killed. My initial bland reaction at coming to Ford's Theatre had quickly transformed itself into one of awe and admiration.

Of course, as with most group tours or guided attractions, there are always a few drawbacks. The major disappointment here was that we actually got to tour little of the museum other than the place where we were seated. When we entered Ford's Theatre we were quickly ushered to our seats, which I can understand since they were probably a little worried about a huge group of students causing trouble. However, this left little time for us to explore the theatre other than during the intermission. So, we were basically left with about 15 minutes of actual time touring the theatre. Those of who were actually interested in the history of the place were somewhat disappointed at this. Also, I usually don't like guided tours where I have to listen to some tour guide drone on about the main points of the museum. In Ford's Theatre, I think this would have been a good option for me since I knew little of the actual history of the theatre other than the fact that Lincoln was shot there.

Of course, this isn't to say that there isn't a guided tour that one can take of Ford's Theatre. These are usually only done during the daylight hours, and we were there at night of course. These may be filled to the brink with people, so I would recommend trying to come at a time other than peak hours. However, my main recommendation would be trying to take a guided tour during the day, and then coming back for a play at night, so as to get the full effect of this historical theatre.

During our intermission, we did get to see some of the more interesting points of Ford's Theatre, although this was done at breakneck speed. The entire theatre is beautiful, and since we were there during the Christmas season, was decorated splendidly for the holidays. Most of the historical information and artifacts of Ford's Theatre are located within it's basement. Many of the things in this museum are quite a scary reminder of the past, as most of them are covered in blood, and almost everything has something to do with the shooting to some degree. Items in the basement include the clothes in which Lincoln was shot, and also the gun which was used to perform the act. While covered in blood, nothing in the basement is done in distaste, and only serves as a horrific reminder of one of this country's darkest hours.

Other attractions include the Peterson House across the street from Ford's Theatre. Although we were not able to visit this house during our trip, it is an integral part of the exhibit which everyone should try and see. The Peterson House was, of course, the house in which Lincoln spent the final hours leading up to his death. Not being able to see this house was probably the only disappointing thing about our entire visit to Ford's Theatre.

If visiting Washington, D.C., Ford's Theatre is a site which everyone should visit if able. There are really only two things to do here: taking the guided tour, or watching a play in the theatre. However, we went with a large group, and I'm not sure as to how accessible seeing a play here would be to the general public. Ford's Theatre is a wonderful museum which is really an interesting trip back into time. As the blood stained clothes and the booth where Lincoln was shot can attest, Ford's Theatre is a stark reminder of the tragedy that befell one of our greatest Presidents. Beautiful and eerie, Ford's Theatre is a place that is absolutely necessary to learning about the history of this country, and one which holds a great deal of importance to every citizen.



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