Ford's Theatre

This still functioning theatre is where John Wilkes Booth shot president Lincoln. Booth was such a famous actor, he was likened to Brad Pitt so he was not a suspicious character whatsoever. At that time, there was no such thing as secret service, and Lincoln moved around freely without any bodyguards. Booth easily entered the balcony box, shot Abraham Lincoln, jumped out of the box onto the stage and ran out back to his waiting horse. It took several moments before the audience realized that anything was wrong and the 'scene' they saw wasn't a part of the act.

The Presidential Box

The balcony box where President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth and the stage that he jumped down to.

Inside Ford's theatre

Talk about timing

As I mentioned, this was a good exploring day for me. I explored Arlington National Cemetery at my own pace, not only did find a good spot to view and photograph the Changing of the Guards, I also witnessed 2 Wreath-Laying ceremonies. Then I talked to a nice guard at the Pentagon and walked into Ford's Theatre just as they were closing the doors on their last tour. So, by the time I left Ford's Theatre, it was 5:15. I hopped onto the Metro at Federal Triangle and right before my exit, the train stopped. An announcer came on and said "Due to technical difficulties, this train will be out of service. Please de-board this train at the next stop." The train started again, and I just figured, no big deal, it's my stop anyways. I get off the train and am surrounded by mass humanity. I can barely make my way to the escalators, and I really don't know how any more people are gonna fit onto that platform! Once I got off the escalator, a group of girls were taking pictures of the view below. I took the opportunity to snap one myself. Somehow, I managed to avoid having to deal with a late train and fighting my way onto another crowded train, just because my timing was 'on' today!

The crowded Metro Platform at McPhearson Square