Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is located in the District of Columbia and holds great historical significance. The theatre, which is situated in downtown Washington, D.C., is renowned for being the site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865.

Originally constructed in 1833 as Ford's Athenaeum, the building was later transformed into Ford's Theatre in 1861. It quickly established itself as one of the leading cultural venues in the city. However, tragedy struck when John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, fatally shot President Lincoln while he was attending a play at the theatre. This event had a profound impact on the nation and solidified Ford's Theatre as an indelible part of American history.

Today, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about this pivotal moment in American history. The site includes a museum that showcases exhibits related to the life and assassination of President Lincoln, as well as the aftermath and the impact of his death on the nation. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including the Derringer pistol used by Booth, as well as the clothing Lincoln was wearing on the night of his assassination.

In addition to the museum, visitors can attend live performances at Ford's Theatre, which features a variety of plays and musicals, promoting an integration of arts and history. The theatre strives to create thought-provoking performances that encourage dialogue on important social and historical issues.

For those interested in exploring further, there are other notable attractions near Ford's Theatre. The Peterson House, located across the street, is where President Lincoln was brought after he was shot, and where he ultimately passed away. This historical house is now a part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site and provides guided tours to visitors.

Furthermore, the nearby Lincoln Memorial serves as a tribute to the legacy of President Lincoln. This iconic monument features a large statue of Lincoln seated, surrounded by powerful inscriptions from his most famous speeches. The memorial offers a serene atmosphere and provides breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool.

In conclusion, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site in the District of Columbia offers visitors a chance to delve deep into the tragic yet significant history of President Lincoln's assassination. With its well-curated museum and live performances, it provides a unique and immersive experience. Coupled with nearby attractions like the Peterson House and the Lincoln Memorial, the site offers a rich experience for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the remarkable legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Located on 10th Street Northwest, this historic site stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by President Abraham Lincoln and commemorates the tragic events that unfolded on April 14, 1865. Nestled amidst the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, such as the White House and the National Mall, the theatre occupies a prominent spot in a vibrant cityscape. With its prime location, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site offers visitors the unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the nation while simultaneously immersing themselves in the dynamic energy of the capital.

Address & Contact

511 10th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
Driving Directions
Phone: 202-426-6841
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Ford's Theatre National Historic Site would be during the months of April, May, and June. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F, and the average minimum temperatures range from 47°F to 67°F. The average monthly precipitation during this time is around 3.7 inches to 5.2 inches. This timeframe offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities while minimizing the chances of extreme heat or precipitation.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Ford's Theatre National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Arts and Culture Theater

Topics

Learn about these topics at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site: Presidents Architecture and Building Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War

Visitor Centers

Mount Washington Tavern

The Mount Washington Tavern is a museum that focuses on travel and life along the National Road in the early 1800s, when it was a stagecoach stop along the nation's first federally funded highway.

Campsites within or near Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Grand Hyatt Washington

With a stay at Grand Hyatt Washington, you'll be centrally located in Washington, steps from CityCenterDC and within a 5-minute walk of Ford's Theater. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 44000 square feet (4088 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1000 H Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, an IHG Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, steps from Capital One Arena and within a 10-minute walk of Ford's Theater. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a business center, and limo/town car service.
Address: 700 F St Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

Hotel Harrington

With a stay at Hotel Harrington in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), you'll be steps from Ford's Theater and 8 minutes by foot from Capital One Arena. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk.
Address: 436 11th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

Heaven on Washington Furnished Apartments

With a stay at Heaven on Washington Furnished Apartments in Washington (Chinatown), you'll be a 4-minute walk from National Portrait Gallery and 5 minutes by foot from National Archives. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 8th Street NW & D Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

Heaven on Washington - Center of City

With a stay at Heaven on Washington - Center of City in Washington (Chinatown), you'll be steps from CityCenterDC and 3 minutes by foot from Washington D.C. Madame Tussauds. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 10th street and H street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Stay Alfred on 8th Street

A stay at this aparthotel places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute walk of National Portrait Gallery and Capital One Arena.
Address: 425 8th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

Bluebird Suites in Downtown DC

A stay at this apartment places you in the heart of Washington, steps from CityCenterDC and 4 minutes by foot from Washington D.C. Madame Tussauds. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 825 10th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Riggs Washington DC

A stay at Riggs Washington DC places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute walk of Ford's Theater and Smithsonian American Art Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 2500 square feet (232 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

National at Market Square

With a stay at this apartment in Washington (Chinatown), you'll be a 4-minute walk from National Portrait Gallery and 5 minutes by foot from Ford's Theater.
Address: 400 8th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link

National at Penn Quarter

With a stay at National at Penn Quarter in Washington (Chinatown), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of National Portrait Gallery and Capital One Arena.
Address: 420 7th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
Web: Link