American History

15 Key Facts About John Wilkes Booth And Ford’s Theatre

Darren - April 26, 2026

On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, a renowned actor and Confederate sympathizer, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. This tragic event not only ended Lincoln’s life but also marked a pivotal moment in American history, leading to national mourning and significant political upheaval. The assassination occurred during a performance of the comedy “Our American Cousin,” with Lincoln seated in the state box, a location now preserved as part of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site (nps.gov).

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1. Ford’s Theatre Opened Before the Civil War

Originally constructed in 1833 as the First Baptist Church of Washington, the building was repurposed into a theater by John T. Ford in 1863, during the Civil War. Renamed Ford’s Theatre, it quickly became a prominent entertainment venue in Washington, D.C., offering a respite from the ongoing conflict. This transformation is detailed in the National Park Service’s records (nps.gov).

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2. John Wilkes Booth Was a Famous Actor

Before his notoriety as Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth was a celebrated actor known for his energetic performances and striking appearance. Born into a distinguished acting family, he made his stage debut at 17 and quickly gained acclaim for his roles in Shakespearean plays. His performances were celebrated nationwide, making his betrayal of both the stage and country even more shocking (britannica.com).

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3. Booth Planned Lincoln’s Assassination Carefully

Months before the fatal shot, John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators meticulously plotted to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln. Their initial plan involved abducting Lincoln and holding him hostage to negotiate the release of Confederate prisoners. However, as the war neared its end and Confederate forces were on the brink of surrender, Booth’s plans shifted. Facing the failure of his kidnapping scheme, he resolved to assassinate the president instead. Details of these plots are explored by the Library of Congress (loc.gov).

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4. Lincoln Was Watching ‘Our American Cousin’

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln attended a performance of the comedy “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The play, written by Tom Taylor, was a popular farce featuring the character Asa Trenchard, portrayed by actor Harry Hawk. During the third act, as the audience laughed at a particularly humorous line, John Wilkes Booth entered the presidential box and assassinated President Lincoln. This tragic event is detailed on Ford’s Theatre’s official site (fords.org).

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5. Booth Knew Ford’s Theatre Inside Out

As a frequent performer at Ford’s Theatre, John Wilkes Booth was intimately familiar with its layout, including the location of the presidential box and the backstage areas. This knowledge facilitated his access to the box on the night of the assassination and enabled his swift escape through a back door, leading to an alleyway where his horse awaited. Detailed analysis of Booth’s escape route is available on the National Park Service’s website (nps.gov).

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6. The Infamous Presidential Box

On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln attended a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre. The Presidential Box, where Lincoln sat, was adorned with American flags and a portrait of George Washington, reflecting the nation’s patriotic spirit. During the third act, as the audience laughed at a particularly humorous line, John Wilkes Booth entered the box unnoticed and assassinated President Lincoln. This tragic event is detailed on Ford’s Theatre’s official site (fords.org).

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7. Booth’s Famous Shout: ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis’

After shooting President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth leapt onto the stage and shouted “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” a Latin phrase meaning “Thus always to tyrants.” This phrase is the state motto of Virginia and suggests that tyrants will inevitably meet a just end. Booth’s choice of this phrase reflected his belief that he was avenging the South and delivering justice (merriam-webster.com).

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8. Booth Broke His Leg During Escape

After assassinating President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth leapt from the presidential box onto the stage, reportedly shouting “Sic semper tyrannis!”—Virginia’s state motto meaning “Thus always to tyrants.” In the process, he fractured his left leg. Some historians believe this injury occurred during the leap, while others suggest it happened later during his escape on horseback. The National Park Service notes that Booth’s diary entry states, “in jumping broke my leg,” but also mentions that he may have injured his leg while riding his horse away from the crime scene (nps.gov).

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9. The Theatre Became a Crime Scene

After President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre was immediately closed for investigation, transforming into a somber crime scene. The federal government seized the building, and military guards were stationed outside to prevent unauthorized access. Photographs and detailed accounts of this period are archived by the National Park Service, offering a glimpse into the theatre’s role during this national tragedy (nps.gov).

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10. Booth Was Tracked Down Within Two Weeks

After assassinating President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth fled Washington, D.C., initiating a massive manhunt. He was pursued by Union soldiers across Maryland and into Virginia. On April 26, 1865, nearly two weeks later, Booth was located at Richard Garrett’s farm in Port Royal, Virginia. Surrounded by Union troops, Booth refused to surrender. The barn where he was hiding was set on fire, and during the ensuing chaos, Booth was shot and killed. Detailed accounts of these events are covered by PBS (fords.org).

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11. Ford’s Theatre Closed for Decades After the Murder

Following President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre was immediately closed for investigation. The U.S. government seized the building, converting it into a federal office space. In 1893, a tragic interior collapse resulted in the deaths of 22 clerks, leading to further disuse. It wasn’t until 1968 that the theatre was restored and reopened as both a working theatre and museum (britannica.com).

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12. The Booth Family Was a Theatrical Dynasty

The Booth family was renowned in the theatrical world; John’s father, Junius Brutus Booth, and his older brother, Edwin Booth, were acclaimed actors. Edwin, in particular, was celebrated for his Shakespearean performances and was considered one of the greatest American actors of the 19th century. In a striking and ironic twist, Edwin saved Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s son, from a potentially fatal accident at a train station in Jersey City, New Jersey, in the early 1860s. This incident is detailed in the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s records (gilderlehrman.org).

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13. The Lincoln Chair Remains a Somber Relic

The chair in which President Abraham Lincoln was seated during his assassination at Ford’s Theatre is preserved at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. This rocking chair, part of a parlor set purchased by Ford’s Theatre manager Harry Ford in 1863, was offered to Lincoln during his visits to the theatre. After the assassination, it was seized as evidence and remained in storage until 1929, when it was acquired by Henry Ford. The chair is now a poignant artifact, displayed in the museum’s “With Liberty and Justice for All” exhibition, serving as a somber reminder of that tragic night. For an in-depth look, see the museum’s official page (thehenryford.org).

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14. Ford’s Theatre Is a Working Performance Venue Today

After decades of closure, Ford’s Theatre reopened in 1968 as a living memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. It now operates as a working theatre and historical site, hosting a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and educational programs that explore Lincoln’s legacy and the American experience. The theatre is managed through a partnership between the Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service. For more information about its current operations and upcoming events, visit the theatre’s official website (fords.org).

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15. Annual Lincoln Assassination Commemorations

Every April, Ford’s Theatre commemorates the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination with a series of ceremonies and interpretive events, keeping history alive. These programs include ranger-guided tours, living-history performances, and tribute ceremonies that honor Lincoln’s legacy and the events of that fateful night. For detailed information on these annual commemorations, visit the Civil War Trust’s website (battlefields.org).

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Conclusion

The intertwined legacies of John Wilkes Booth and Ford’s Theatre have profoundly shaped American history. Booth’s tragic act of assassinating President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre, not only ended Lincoln’s life but also marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey. This event led to the theatre’s closure for over a century, during which it transformed from a vibrant cultural venue into a somber memorial. In 1968, Ford’s Theatre reopened, serving as both a working theatre and a museum dedicated to Lincoln’s legacy. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, reflecting on a dark chapter while celebrating the enduring spirit of the American people. For more information, visit the National Park Service’s page on Ford’s Theatre (nps.gov).

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