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Haunting

Ford's Theatre

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated here on April 14, 1865. His ghost has been seen in the presidential box. Footsteps echo where Booth jumped to the stage. Cold spots form where Lincoln fell. The theater where a president died holds his memory.

1865 - Present
Washington, D.C., USA
500+ witnesses

Ford’s Theatre is haunted by America’s greatest tragedy.

The Assassination

April 14, 1865:

  • Lincoln attending play
  • John Wilkes Booth
  • Shot in presidential box
  • Booth jumped to stage
  • Lincoln died next day

The Box

Presidential box:

  • Cold spots reported
  • Feeling of presence
  • Actors avoid looking
  • Strange sensations
  • Energy remains

Lincoln’s Ghost

What’s seen:

  • Figure in box
  • Tall, dark form
  • Watching plays
  • Multiple witnesses
  • Staff accounts

Booth’s Path

Where he fled:

  • Footsteps heard
  • Stage area
  • Where he jumped
  • Broke his leg
  • Echo of escape

The Closure

After assassination:

  • Theater closed
  • Collapsed in 1893
  • 22 killed
  • More tragedy
  • Reopened 1968

Today

Current status:

  • Active theater
  • Museum below
  • Tours daily
  • Paranormal reports
  • Historic site

Sources