Ford's Theatre Washington DC

Possibly one of the most overwhelming places we have ever visited was Ford's Theatre during our recent trip to DC.

History changed in way swill will never know at this spot.  The assasination of Abe Lincoln was just a massive event.

I don't think you can over estimate the importance of Lincoln and his mark in history.  His birthsite, where he grew up, where he is burried, and where he died are all National Parks.

We bought our tickets and went to enjoy the short two man play "One Destiny".

We seated ourselves and enjoyed just being there.  There is something mystical about the place.

During the play, the characters mentioned feeling haunted by the events of the day.

I think we are still in many ways haunted by what happened.  None of us were around when it happened, but it is still a strange and sad event.

Even the historc figures associated with the assasin Booth and his capture are odd.  Look up the stories on Boston Corbett (he disappears from history) and Lincoln's friend at the play that night, Henry Rathbone.  There are other fascinating characters too.

"One Destiny" was really good.  The two actors play an actor and the owner of Ford's Theatre from the time Lincoln was shot.  They discuss some of the co-conspirators and their thoughts and motivations.  They kind of play out scenerios trying to figure the whole thing out.  They seem to have some guilt that they could not predict what Booth was up to.

As they play through the moments just before the shooting (the actor reluctantly goes through the lines of "Our American Cousin") you can feel the tension.  A shot is heard and a light flashes form the actual box where Lincoln sat.

"One Destiny" is a very nice play relating to the assasination and Ford's Theatre.  It gives almost any visitor the opportunity to see an actual performance during their visit to the landmark.

Right across the street from Ford's is the Petersen House, which is part of the tour.  You can see the actual room where President Lincoln died.

The museum there is great too.  Various items relating to Booth and his conspirators were on display, including pieces of the four ropes used in the hanging of the other four convicted.