Ford's Theatre

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  • Address
    511 10th St NW, White House Area
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    955 5566
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

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Lonely Planet review

Please note: this theater is currently closed for renovations, but is still producing theater at other venues in the city.

The historical theater - where John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln - has staged world-premier musicals, mostly about Lincoln's life and times. It also hosts a series on American Originals: influential individuals who have played significant cultural roles.

After being shot, the unconscious president was carried across the street to die at Petersen House, which is also open for walks through; its tiny, unassuming rooms create a moving personal portrait of the president's slow and tragic death. Another assassination-related site is nearby: Surrat House, now the restaurant Wok & Roll (; 604 H St), is where the Lincoln-assassination conspirators met in 1865. Its owner, Mary Surratt, was eventually hanged at Fort McNair for her part.