Where Lincoln's Legacy Lives

Sunday we went to see "A Christmas Carol" at Ford's Theatre in downtown DC.  Just in case you aren't a History Major or Minor (like Joey and me), I'll remind you that Ford's Theatre is the place where Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865.  He was carried to a boarding house across the street where he died the following morning.

Joey got us the tickets as a ploy to get me into the holiday spirit.  He is a huge fan of the holidays and it's definitely rubbed off a little on me too.  Initially I was more geeked out about getting to go to Ford's Theatre though. I'd been there once before for a middle school field trip, and didn't remember much else. 

We arrived early, so we were able to tour the Petersen House and see where Lincoln died and visit the museum to learn more about what happened in the moments following the assassination.  While I know this might not be of interest to all, we did learn some interesting facts, such as President Lincoln remains the tallest US President at 6'4.  He was so tall, that they had to lay him diagonally in the tiny bed.  The doorknobs, banister, etc in the house were much lower to the ground.  People were much smaller in the 1860's. 

I did take a few pictures. Creepy? Yes. But history is awesome, and those who don't learn from it are doomed to repeat it.

Plaque on the outside wall

The bed where Lincoln died.  Surrounded by bullet proof glass.

Creepy to think about, but really cool too.

After touring the house and the museum, we headed over to the theatre for the show.  I am not lying when I say we had the best seats in the house.  The theatre is very small, so the best seats are actually on the second level, right in the middle.  And that's where we were!  When the volunteer showed us our seat, she whispered "You've got the best seats in the house!"  We were thrilled especially because Joey booked the tickets himself, and only about a week ago. 
From our seats, we had a clear view of the entire stage and theatre.  You can see the Presidential Box over to the right in the picture below.  This is where actor John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln.  It is shrouded in flags in memoriam and closed to the public.  The furniture is all preserved from that night.  We also learned that the theatre stayed closed for 100 years after the incident and did not re-open as a historical site until the 1960s.

Presidential Box

Our view of the stage

The show itself?  It was wonderful!!!  The singing and acting was superb and I would absolutely recommend seeing this show if you are in the DC area!  It's great for all ages, although it is a ghost story, so keep that in mind if you have little ones who are easliy spooked.

Afterwards, we made our way around the block to Gordon Biersch for some dinner and then headed home to the pins.

Bier

Next up?? Thanksgiving!

~SG