Facts About Ford's Theatre For Art And Literature Enthusiasts

Oluwatosin Michael
Nov 03, 2023 By Oluwatosin Michael
Originally Published on Apr 05, 2022
Stage and seating of Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is a theater situated in Washington D.C. It began operations in 1863 and is infamous for being the place where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th American president and upsettingly the first ever to be assassinated, while he watched the play 'Our American Cousin' at Ford's Theatre. Abraham Lincoln died the next morning at the Petersen House, just across the street from where he was fatally shot while watching a play by the famous actor, John Wilkes Booth.

Ford's Theatre is currently used as a regional theater. At the same time, the theater also produces works that celebrated Abraham Lincoln's legacy and the culture, history of the United States.

This historic site which is located at a distance of around 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from the White House also operated as a house museum exploring the presidential term of Abraham Lincoln, and his unfortunate assassination.

Cultural Significance Of Ford's Theatre

Before the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, it was an ordinary building located in Washington D.C., but ever since the incident, it has transformed dramatically and yet hasn't changed at all. Ford's Theatre today along with Petersen House is recognized as a National Historic Site.

Ever since the re-establishment of Ford's Theatre in 1968, this National Historic Site has functioned as a theater conducting live performing arts, museum exhibits, and education programs regarding the life of Lincoln. At the same time, the historic site also hosts theatre galas that honor the legacy of Lincoln.

Renovations in the past have transformed the interior of Ford's Theatre into what it looked like on the night of the assassination back in 1865.

Moreover, renovations in the 2000s emphasized the Lincoln Museum which shows the assassination of the 16th president of America, an integral part of history. You can visit Ford's Theatre!

History Of Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre has had a long history, from being a Baptist church in its earliest days to a theater infamous for the assassination of Abraham Lincoln to an office building and eventually as a historic site honoring Lincoln. Let us take a closer look at Ford's Theatre history.

The site where Ford's Theatre is currently located first had a second meeting house of the First Baptist Church of Washington D.C. constructed in 1833.

Eventually, in 1861, the congregation shifted to a new place which led to John T. Ford purchasing the church, transforming it into a theater, and naming it Ford's Athenaeum.

Unfortunately, the building caught fire in 1862 and was destroyed, but it was rebuilt and then known as Ford's Theatre. In 1865, Ford's Theatre witnessed its most historic moment, the assassination of the 16th president of America, Abraham Lincoln while he was watching a play.

Later on, Ford's Theatre was appropriated by the US government and was prohibited from being used as a site of public amusement.

For a couple of years, the building was used as the War Department's facility with its records kept on the building's first floor.

The second floor was used as the Library of the Surgeon General's Office and the third floor was the Army Medical Museum.

In 1893, a part of the building collapsed leading to the death of 22 people, after repairs, it was once again used as an office building but it was eventually turned over to the Office of Public Buildings and Parks of the National Capital.

The building has then been under the order of the National Park Service and has undergone several renovations and is currently an integral cultural heritage of Washington D.C., with the museum of Lincoln's assassination being a major tourist attraction.

Design And Structure Of Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre was first constructed in 1862 but has ever since gone under several renovations time. The theater is believed to currently have a total capacity of 665.

Following renovations in the late 20th century and the early 2000s, Ford's Theatre now looks pretty similar to how it looked in 1865 during Lincoln's assassination. It has a Late Victorian architectural style and covers an area of around 0.29 ac (0.12 ha). The theater currently functions as an active theater and a museum dedicated to Lincoln's assassination.

FAQs

How old is Ford Theatre?

Ford's Theatre is around 159 years old.

Why is Ford's Theatre important to history?

Ford's Theatre has witnessed one of the most infamous American historical moments, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and today stands to honor the legacy of Lincoln.

How far is the castle visitor center from Ford's Theatre museum?

This theater is 1 mi (1.6 km) away from the Smithsonian Castle.

Why is it called Ford's Theatre?

Ford's Theatre has been named so after John T. Ford purchased the then-existing Baptist church building on the site and transformed it into the present-day theater.

How much does Ford's Theatre cost to tour?

One can conveniently visit Ford's Theatre by paying a cost of around $3.

Why did Lincoln go to Ford's Theatre?

On the night Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre, he was present with his wife watching the play 'Our American Cousin'.

What happened to Ford's Theatre?

Ford's Theatre today is an active theater, but it is also a museum dedicated to Lincoln emphasizing his unfortunate assassination.

Where is Ford's Theatre?

Ford's Theatre is located at 511 10th St, NW Washington D.C. 20004, United States.

Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

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Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford's_Theatre

https://www.todaytix.com/insider/washington-dc/venues/fords-theatre

https://www.historyhit.com/locations/ford-theatre/

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/qQWxuvsjPdT2Kw?hl=en

https://www.fords.org/lincolns-assassination/fords-theatre-history/

https://www.fords.org/about/

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Written by Oluwatosin Michael

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

Oluwatosin Michael picture

Oluwatosin MichaelBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

With a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatosin has honed his skills as an SEO content writer, editor, and growth manager. He has written articles, conducted extensive research, and optimized content for search engines. His expertise extends to leading link-building efforts and revising onboarding strategies. 

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