Fatal Performance Reading
Fatal Performance
Dossier: April 14, 1865 | Ford's Theatre
NAME: __________________________
DATE: ___________________________
T The city of Washington was in a state of jubilation. Just days earlier, General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox, effectively ending the Civil War. On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln sought a brief respite from the weight of his office. He planned to attend a performance of the popular comedy Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre.
The Scene at Tenth Street
Ford’s Theatre was packed with over 1,700 attendees. The Presidential box was decorated with American flags and a portrait of George Washington. At approximately 8:25 PM, the President and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln arrived, accompanied by guests Major Henry Rathbone and Clara Harris.
The orchestra struck up "Hail to the Chief," the audience rose in a thunderous ovation, and the play was briefly paused. Lincoln took his seat in a comfortable red rocking chair, finally relaxing after four years of relentless conflict.
Eyewitness Note
"The President looked weary but relieved. He laughed heartily at the humor on stage, seemingly oblivious to the shadows moving behind him."
The Calculated Shadow
John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, knew the theatre's layout intimately. Earlier that day, he had visited the theatre to pick up his mail and learned the President would be attending. He spent the afternoon preparing: boring a small peephole in the door of the Presidential box and securing a horse in the back alley.
Around 10:00 PM, Booth entered the theatre lobby. He waited for the third act, specifically the second scene, where he knew only one actor—Harry Hawk—would be on stage. The loudest laugh of the play occurred when Hawk delivered a specific line, providing the perfect acoustic cover for a shot.
The Moment of Impact
Under the cover of that explosive laughter, Booth slipped into the box. He brandished a single-shot .44 caliber Derringer pistol and fired a single bullet into the back of Lincoln's head. Major Rathbone lunged at Booth, but the assassin slashed him with a hunting knife.
Booth then climbed over the balcony rail and leaped nearly twelve feet to the stage. His spur caught on a flag, causing him to land awkwardly and fracture his left leg. Rising to his feet and brandishing his knife, Booth cried out to the stunned crowd, "Sic Semper Tyrannis!" before limping across the stage and disappearing into the night.
Post-Reading Evidence Log
1. Why did John Wilkes Booth wait for a specific line of the play to fire his weapon?
2. Describe the contrast between the atmosphere in Washington and the events inside the Presidential box.
Theatre Tragedy Timeline
Timeline of a Tragedy
FORD'S THEATRE | APRIL 14, 1865
CASE NO. 1865-0414
NAME: ____________________________
11:00 AM
Morning Discovery
John Wilkes Booth visits Ford's Theatre to pick up his mail and learns that the President will attend the performance tonight.
7:00 PM
Booth's Preparation
Describe Booth's activities at the theatre before the play began.
8:25 PM
Presidential Arrival
President Lincoln and his party arrive. The audience gives a standing ovation as the orchestra plays "Hail to the Chief."
10:00 PM
The Assassin Enters
What did Booth do upon entering the lobby of the theatre?
10:15 PM
The Fatal Shot
Booth enters the box during the loudest laugh and fires his weapon.
CASE: 1865-0414 | TIMELINE CONT.
STUDENT NAME: ____________________________
10:16 PM
The Leap and the Cry
Describe what happened on stage immediately after the shot.
10:25 PM
The Escape
Where did Booth go after exiting the back of the theatre?
Sketch Area:
Presidential Box Layout
Investigation Note
Identify the most critical security failure that allowed the assassination to occur.
Curtain Fall Slides
The Final Act
Tragedy at Ford's Theatre
APRIL 14, 1865 WASHINGTON, D.C.
Jubilation in the Air
The Civil War was effectively over. General Lee had surrendered just 5 days prior.
Washington was alive with fireworks, parades, and celebration.
President Lincoln sought one night of relaxation from the burdens of war.
Post-War Celebration
"I have never felt so happy in my life."
The Destination
Ford's Theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin.
The Party
The President, Mary Todd Lincoln, Major Henry Rathbone, and Clara Harris.
The Arrival
8:25 PM. The play stops as "Hail to the Chief" is performed.
John Wilkes Booth
The Calculated Shadow
- A famous actor with intimate knowledge of the theatre.
- He prepared for the crime throughout the day.
- Coordinated with other conspirators to target the VP and Secretary of State.
The Final Scene
10:15 PM
"Don't know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal; you sockdologizing old man-trap!"
Booth fires a single shot during the loudest laughter of the night.
The Leap to the Stage
Booth leaped 12 feet from the box to the stage. His spur caught on the treasury flag, causing him to break his leg.
"Sic Semper Tyrannis!"
THUS ALWAYS TO TYRANTS
Investigation & Debrief
The Security Question
The President's guard, John Frederick Parker, was not at his post. Why was security so lax on such a high-profile night?
Timeline Analysis
Look at your worksheets. Which event in the timeline do you think was the "Point of No Return"?
