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I honestly can't believe i have just found this channel, man you are so good at making informative vlogs that keep you hooked throughout the whole video, Great channel.....John
Rewatching this episode a few years later and it's still probably my favorite so far. I love the care to detail and respect you give to what happened there. That theater is sacred for American history.
I visited Ford's Theatre back in the '70s before it became heavily commercialized, with all the displays in the basement, the gift shop and those two Lincoln - Booth timelines. One unforgettable thing I saw which is no longer on display is the heavily bloodstained dress shirt the president wore when he was assassinated. It was indeed gory, and probably too much so for modern sensitivities.
@John Wilkes Booth True, but clotting isn't instantaneous, so the blood on his suit and shirt was surely Lincoln's. Besides, what would an injured Rathbone be doing bleeding on the President's shoulders?
@Shin Lim OK, I've SEEN that striped shirt, and it was thoroughly blood-stained, especially down the back. How old is Michael Kaufman? Maybe he didn't also witness this terrible relic. My encounter was in 1975.
Thank you for sharing this historic place…..one that I will probably never get to see myself. My heart hurt and tears filled my eyes while watching, knowing that this was one of the saddest moments in our nation’s history. Such a great man that will never be forgotten. Blessings! 💕
If you are ever in the Detroit area, you should go to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. They have the chair he was shot in that was at the Ford Theater and a lot of historical homes and buildings you can walk through. In the summer, they also have civil war soldiers walking through the village and show the guns, cannons and techniques they used during the battles. It's actually pretty interesting.
I've just recently started watching your program's and they are very interesting. You present them very professionally. My praise to you and your work. Thank You
Seriously? Travel channel blows in comparison to how in depth you go into these facilities. They should give you a show bro! Best channel ever!! Keep em coming, please!!
@@TheHistoryUnderground If you had been my history teacher back in high school I'd probably be the oldest 'kid' at that 🏫 school. My history teacher was a Kool dude and drove a WW2 ambulance of all things. 0:13
Thanks for sharing this tragic event for our Nation. I have been to Washington D.C. a few times but I have never made it to Fords Theater. It is great that you give a first hand perspective of history through your channel.
I went on the recommendation of a friend who said that it was his favorite stop in D.C. I was surprised at everything that they had there that was connected to the assassination. Very interesting place. Thanks for watching!
My college roommate and I visited Ford's Theater together! We sat in the reconstruction auditorium during our tour. We even discussed had JWB had not jumped from the Balcony and left back out the door, he would not had gotten away. So that's why he figured his escape was better off going through the stage. Plus he knew the play so well and he knew when the Audience was going to laugh. The Audience didn't know it was real until Booth escaped. The tour guide even told us what was said before Booth Shot Lincoln and the Audience and myself didn't really laugh that hard, b/c we couldn't understand the joke back then
About 20 years ago we saw Dicken’s Christmas Carol in Fords Theatre, had center balcony seats, it was strange watching a play with Lincoln’s box lit up
I hear you! I was there at Ford's Theatre watching a play in 77 or 78 and it was really weird. You just felt there was someone watching from the box.....
Some things have changed since I visited the theatre and Peterson House. President Lincoln's death pillow was displayed on the bed (in a glass case) with some of the bandages used. Also, the theatre balcony used to be open, to where you could walk up behind the seats the President used. Giving you the same view that Booth had. I will have to try to find the pictures I took. Granted, it was in the 90's when I visited. Keep videoing our history!
Thanks. Appreciate the compliment and the sub. If you catch a video that you like and think that someone else could benefit from it, feel free to give it a share.
I was there 2 years ao and I'm sorry to disappoint you. I found out from a parks department official who was in the theater, that the owners gutted it and used it for storage, tearing down the original balcony and everything else in it ( apparently the theater closed after the assassination due to the fact that no one wanted to see a play there) the only original part of the theater is the brick perimeter on the exterior of the building. The staircase you climbed is a replica, the balcony is a replica, all of it (I know I was thoroughly disappointed as well).
it is an exacting reconstruction, not a replica. Everything is as it was, just rebuilt, with exception of the seating which is now modernized to accommodate modern size needs. The building was an office building for the government following the closing in 1865. There was a major collapse of the interior that killed around 30 people. I t was restored through the reconstruction of the theater in the early 1960s.
I am so glad I found your videos. thank you. Matter of fact, I sent the Arlington one to our Mayor of Raritan, NJ and asked him to watch the Basilone segment you did.
As an addition to this video you made, which by the way was fantastic as always, I suggest maybe visiting Springfield Illinois. Lincoln’s resting place, his childhood home and several museums are well worth the visit. I hope someday you take the time
Thank you for posting this! As a wheelchair user, you showed me things i will probably never get to see first hand! Accessibility wasn’t really on the radar then. 🙃👍🏽
Damn that artillery wound through the skull passed cleaner than a regular bullet wound! Love your videos bro! I’ve already watched most of your videos within the span of 2 days, keep it up! Can’t wait for more!
That wound was horrifying. Kind of like that entire museum. Glad that you’re enjoying the videos but I feel bad that you’ve had to look at my ugly face so much 😅
Just found your channel from researching Lincoln, I love history and everything about it so finding your channel is awesome! Have only watched this one and the one at the research science medical museum, can’t wait to see what else you have uploaded 😬
Thanks! I really appreciate that. Glad that you are enjoying the episodes so far. If you find Lincoln interesting, you might check out Episode 16. There's a cool Lincoln artifact in that one as well. If any of the episodes stand out and you want to subscribe and share, feel free. Thanks!
I went to Fords Theatre in the early 80s as an 11 year old kid. I found the city fascinating. Back then you could actually walk up to the door way of the box where Lincoln was shot. Things have changed...
Excellent suggestion and tour. By any chance was there a sign stating how many books were in that incredible pile? Unbelievable. Really nice job, thanks again. See you later!
Alexander Patrick - If there was, I didn’t see it. That was about as impressive as anything that I saw in the museum though. You might also want to check out Episode 15. Thanks for watching!
Maybe this has already been mentioned in earlier comments but I'll repeat: 1. The theater interior is not the original interior. Several years after the assassination the building interior was ripped out and was converted to a multi-floor office building. Eventually it was restored to the theater look using what photos, engravings, and blueprints still existed. It is about as accurate as it is possible to be and is a fully functioning theater. 2. The portrait of Washington on the front of the balcony of Lincoln's booth is the original from the assassination. 3. I believe the couch in the booth is also original. It is where Col. Rathbone and his date were sitting.
As of 2015, the portrait of George Washington was replaced with a replica. According to the Ford's Theatre website, the original portrait has been put into storage. I just learned that myself, because the comments section fo for this video has made me Google where all the original artifacts related to Lincoln's assassination are located.
Very good tour. You probably know that the large stack of books on Lincoln in Ford’s theater are not actual books (too heavy) but cardboard replicas. Did you know the bed in which Lincoln died is at the Chicago History Museum? They acquired it in an auction or donation. Cannot recall. It has been in Chicago for about a century. I used to touch the wooden bed frame as a child - very bad of the museum to allow touching. The museum has been redone so now the bed is behind plexiglass. Did you know the red velvet rocking chair in which Lincoln was shot is housed at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI? Saw it two years ago. Also, behind plexiglass.
This is the coolest website I've ever seen. As a fellow history buff, you are literally living my dream. How I wish you were my bestfriend! Thank you for sharing all these.
Wow this is a great video....I'm a history buff myself...this is a very interesting and sad part of History...to actually see where Lincoln died, how it happened does something...the thing that sticks to me is....Lincoln was 6'4'' and they had to lay him diagonal across the bed because was too tall to lay the regular way. I hope one to make a trip to Ford's Theatre one day...dude keep doing what you're doing with these videos..its good stuff...I'm subscribing
Devin Rivers - Oh wow. Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad that you are enjoying them. And if you ever get to DC, Fords Theatre is a definite must see. Thanks for watching and for the sub! 👊🏻
Phyllis Mick - Thanks! Between the videos that are already up and the new episodes currently coming out on Mondays and Thursdays, you should have plenty of quarantine viewing material 😁. If you catch one that stands out from time to time and wouldn’t mind giving it a share, I’d appreciate it!
I was at Ford’s Theater 10 years ago for a seminar in the main auditorium, but it was after hours, so I couldn’t see the museum or the house across the street. Thank you for this.
Great, great video once again. The next time you are in D. C., you should try to get out to Mount Vernon just outside of D. C. if you have not. It's absolutely wonderful and would make a great video as well! I'm itching to get back to D. C. now after viewing this video!
Went there in the 80's and you were able to go to the balcony and see the blood stains on Lincolns' chair and you were able to walk into the bedroom at the Petersons house where the blood - stained pillow was under glass. The bed he was on was much smaller than his body could comfortably lay on and the room was really small too. Amazing how real life is different than what pictures depicted at the time!
Fascinating video. I love the personal effects they have of Booth. I did not know about Maj. Rathbone. Apparently he was severely wounded then grabbed onto JWB's coat causing him to fall awkwardly as he attempted to make his escape.
Yeah, that was really my favorite part of the whole complex. Very interesting to see some of the tools that were used to change history. Thanks for watching! If you liked this one, but sure to subscribe and check out the new content as it's released. Got some big plans for 2020.
I understand that the location where Booth was captured is now surrounded by a divided highway. There apparently is a sign marking the spot and a trail that leads to the area with an iron rod marking the location of the house that was there at the time. This would be interesting to check out. Thanks for your videos.
Interesting. I never knew that. Such a shame that so many historic places are now under a parking lot or a highway. I'll do some digging and see what I can find on that though. Thanks for the heads up!
@@TheHistoryUnderground Take a look at the video The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth on the mp91992 YT channel. He goes to the very spot. Also check out the channel TrotwoodDrive, Site of Booth's death, Garret Farm. You will see the iron rod that marks the farm house site. Hope this is helpful.
Awesome episode man. Thanks so much! Do you buy into any of the CONSPIRACY Theories about J. W. B. getting away? Bill O'Reilly even gets into them in his book "Killing Lincoln". Also if there is anything I can do to help such as caption your videos or anything id love to help. Again this is an amazing video!!!
Hmmm......I've not read that book, so I'm not up on any of the conspiracy theories about Booth. Thanks for the kind words and if I move to start captioning the episodes beyond what TH-cam does, I'll reach out. Thanks!
Bill O'Reilly should be in jail. His books are off the wall. If study O'Reilly's political philosophy, he would of been on the side of the Confederacy!
O'Reilly's book opens with a scene in the Oval Office which didn't even exist in Lincoln's time and the historical errors continue from there. There are many better books about the assassination.
The story of the theater is truly creepy. Even being a replica, the theater is very haunting, but perhaps not only bmc of the Lincoln assassination. While being used by the Federal gvt, the theater collapsed in 1893, killing 23 people. Before the collapse, it was used for records, and also housed a museum for Army Medical artifacts, some of which is now at the National Museum of Health and Medicine.
Just wondering if you made it to the Mary Surratt Borading House location. Last time I went by it was a Chinese eatery with only a small plaque giving away its historic significance. Great video. We've seen a Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater and couple of times. Very moving place.
I visited Ford's Theatre back in 1985 while I was TDY to the DC area for school. It was fascinating and a bit morbid. During a conversation several years later one of my fellow Technicians mentioned he was a descendent of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth's leg injury. The family spent years trying to convince the Government that Mudd was innocent and give him a full pardon (even though he got one in 1869 from President Andrew Johnson for treating prisoners and guards during a yellow fever epidemic during his time in prison.). However my fellow Airman said that according to one family member who found a long lost (or purposely hidden) diary from Dr. Mudd. Dr. Mudd acknowledges that he knew John Wilkes Booth (he had met him before during a meeting with local sympathizers that were spying for the Confederacy before the surrender) and suspected Booth was involved in the Lincoln Assassination before it was publicly acknowledged. Mudd wasn't involved with the assassination, but he did help the assassin knowing what he had done. Which was technically an accessory to murder after the fact, even by the laws of that era. He failed to report him to local authorities (most of whom wouldn't have cared as they hated Lincoln). But by failing to do so he made himself complicit in the crime. With the pitched fever of animosity after the war (and especially by assassinating Lincoln) it could have resulted in Mudd being executed versus prison. At least one of the involved assassins, John Surratt got away with an acquittal years later once the fervor settled down (and he probably was guilty). But his mother Mary Surratt was executed for her involvement in 1865. Families are fixated on righting old wrongs and many times it wasn't wrong to convict or in some cases execute that Ancestor as they were guilty as hell.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Very detailed and informative. I appreciate your love of American History; really refreshing considering the polarizing times of current society. I was really struck with the literal tower of books written on Lincoln shown at the tail end of the video. With Lincoln being one of the most written about persons in human history after Jesus, it should have come as no shock; it does, though, put into perspective just how important Lincoln was, and still is to our American heritage. Many thanks and I wish your channel the best of success.
Wow. Thanks for that. I really do appreciate it. Yes, the country does seem pretty polarized right now, which is one reason why I wanted to do these videos. To show our shared history (both good and bad). And the tower of Lincoln books impressed me about as much as anything in the museum. If you know anyone who might get something out the videos, feel free to share and also be sure to subscribe to catch the new videos. Should have one out at least once a week. Again, thanks for the kind words.
I have a copy of my great great great uncle’s memories of his time as a soldier in DC on that day. He had just left Ford’s theater when He heard the news. He guarded the Secretary of State that night, went on searches, guarded Lincoln’s body one night and guarded Mary Surrant (forgot the spelling) one night. He mentioned that he thought Mary was a very nice person. I has been a while since we have visited the Theater and museum. We did see a couple of plays there.
Outstanding video. I’ve been to those places but it was in the 1960s and your video makes me what to return. Is the Surratt boarding house still a Chinese restaurant? I stopped there for lunch back then.
The blood stain chair lincoln was shot in is in the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn Michigan. Also, the home of Ford Motor company my employer for 30 years..
I think its one of the best historical museums there is. The also house all the vehicles from every US president that was shot or killed in. Next door is greenfield village with many historical houses including Fords birthplace home, Edison’s lab and the wright brothers bicycle shop.
Skys the limit - Thank you for building my car years ago..I had a 69' Fastback GT..I miss that car,it was stolen and written off.Never knew if it was ever recovered..
Keep in mind - nothing in Ford's is original - the theater was gutted and used by the War department after the assassination. It was not until the late 1960's when it was reconstructed using photographs.
That is true, I visited Ford's Theater and sat in the Auditorium while my Tour Guide stood on the stage. He mentioned that there's only one part of the theater that is original and that is the bricks outside. Everything else was redesigned. But it still gave me an idea of how to picture it being 1865 when the shooting happened
Great video and yes I did subscribed to your channel. I do a lot in Washington D.C.. I visit there once per year at most. For Ford's Theatre I've seen two plays (love going there to see plays). I always can't help but stare at that balcony box. I've been in that museum twice. It was pretty much crowded like that the 2nd time I visited. I've seen the gun before. But now I wanted to go back and see that Lincoln signature and pillow. I'm planning on a 3rd visit next year in early May. Haven't been in the Petersen house yet, though. Looking forward to more of your videos. Also love the Smithsonian ones (do a lot there too).
Hayley B - Very cool. The Peterson house was pretty interesting but it was super crowded on the day that I was there so I was a little rushed. Felt kind of weird filming and talking to a camera with a gaggle of people standing around me. Thanks for the sub!
we went to the theater & house across the street in the 80's. It was a ghost town at both places. We got to take our time & look around to our hearts content. Stood right up to the presidents chair in the balcony. We could sit in seats down below & get the feel of the place.
I visited Ford's Theater back in the early 70's and remember being able to go behind Lincolns chair on the balcony, but looks like it's closed off to the public now.
When I went in the 90's you could still go right up to the doorway, which had plexiglass just inside the room, and you could see the chairs, the couch, etc. I have pictures somewhere of all of that, but it was a let down to know none of it was original, due to the fire and gutting. Still very interesting though.
I was so disappointed in Ford's Theatre when I realized that the entire interior structure is a recreation. Most of the interior was gutted in 1866, more when the front of the building collapsed in 1893. A few windows, some interior struts and some of the exterior facade is all that's left. Totally bummed me out.
June Thorndale - Thanks! Really appreciate that. Hope that you enjoy the other videos and the ones to come. Doing what we can to connect people to history.
John Okie - Thanks. That means a lot coming from a fellow history fanatic. If you see anything in the videos that I’ve glazed over or should have added, don’t be shy about chiming in. I’m always looking to learn more. Again, thanks!
You may not read comments on your older videos, however, you ended this one with an enormous stack of books on Lincoln. I’m currently reading Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. If you haven’t already read it , I highly recommend it.
drguffey - Very interesting. I’ll have to check that out. That’s what I really like about producing these videos. I end up learning a lot more. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching!
My grandparents visited the States in 1076, iirc. My grandfather always mentioned this when i asked about that trip. Dunno why he was so fascinated by the Ford Theatre. Maybe he was interested in Lincoln? Nice to see your film of it though, kinda makes me relive what they saw on their trip too. :)
Great video. I would highly recommend you make your way to The Ford Museum in Detroit. You will be able to see the chair Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot, the car JFK was in when he was shot and the bus that Rosa Parks boarded that fateful December night. It is a history treasure trove!!
Wow. Great video! It’s different than when o went in 1990. They let us walk up to the box, and see the chair from the point of view of Booth. It was glasses off to enter, but you could see the chair and POV clearly. Also the bloody pillow was across the street on the bed, incased in glass. They also had Lincoln’s clothes and hat in the basement I want to say.
I spent two days doing the Lincoln tour of Springfield, IL a few years back on my way out to Montana. I would recommend it to everyone. It was incredible.
You've got to check out the Henry Ford museum in Detroit. They have the chair Lincoln was in when shot. Still has the stains. That's history that gives one chills!
Ive been there too...an absolute MUST SEE for any history buffs. they have the Lincoln that Kennedy was shot in there as well when I visited. Its a huge place but I recommend 2 days to do the tour to take it all in. i just found and subscribed to this channel...textbooks cant touch seeing the actual artifacts and places where history was made.
The only problem is, nothing original in Fords theater except the Facade since the building once collapsed. So it's all rebuilt. However it's a great place to visit I've seen myself 5 times. There are lot more to show. Thanks for the film.
People forget to visit this famous site. There is SO much to do in Washington DC....but THIS is one place that is worth spending a decent amount of time at...AND the Peterson boarding house across the street (where Lincoln expired). I would put it in the top 10 places to see in Washington...maybe top 8....
Abraham Lincoln was a well covered subject when it comes to books. With the number that has been written about Lincoln, you would think that there wouldn't be anything else to say.
In 1957 I was 6yrs. old.That summer we went to Springfield,ILL. and visited Lincoln's home. I remember we could go into the kitchen through a side door not the front door.When my wife and I visited in the 80's you could not go inside the house only look in.On both trips we also went to Lincoln's tomb.On the 1980's trip we also visited New Salem.
Thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation. If you like this or any other video on this channel, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the newest content when it comes out.
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Another great video bub. I so look forward to the next one.
Where is his Lincoln chair at?
@@jackmeoff8953 Dearborn, MI at the Henry Ford Museum
@@michaelmccallumjr4189 The only reason that it ended up there is because the federal government was going to toss it out.
This video should be getting millions of hits. This is STUNNING. Thank you.
Ha! Thank you. I'm happy with whoever sees it and gets something out of it.
I honestly can't believe i have just found this channel, man you are so good at making informative vlogs that keep you hooked throughout the whole video, Great channel.....John
Thanks! I really do appreciate that. Feel free to share out with anyone else who you think might enjoy it :)
@@TheHistoryUnderground Already done! My nephew and son just subscribed too, look forward to more 👍
I learn more from you about American history than I ever have in any school room. Thank you
Thanks! So glad to hear that.
Rewatching this episode a few years later and it's still probably my favorite so far. I love the care to detail and respect you give to what happened there. That theater is sacred for American history.
I visited Ford's Theatre back in the '70s before it became heavily commercialized, with all the displays in the basement, the gift shop and those two Lincoln - Booth timelines. One unforgettable thing I saw which is no longer on display is the heavily bloodstained dress shirt the president wore when he was assassinated. It was indeed gory, and probably too much so for modern sensitivities.
😳
@John Wilkes Booth You are correct sir. Even the blood on Laura Keane's dress they belive came from Rathbone.
@John Wilkes Booth True, but clotting isn't instantaneous, so the blood on his suit and shirt was surely Lincoln's.
Besides, what would an injured Rathbone be doing bleeding on the President's shoulders?
@Shin Lim OK, I've SEEN that striped shirt, and it was thoroughly blood-stained, especially down the back.
How old is Michael Kaufman? Maybe he didn't also witness this terrible relic. My encounter was in 1975.
@Shin Lim and Annie Van Auken
Thank you for sharing this historic place…..one that I will probably never get to see myself. My heart hurt and tears filled my eyes while watching, knowing that this was one of the saddest moments in our nation’s history. Such a great man that will never be forgotten. Blessings! 💕
I greatly appreciate your love for history and letting me live it vicariously through you!
If you are ever in the Detroit area, you should go to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. They have the chair he was shot in that was at the Ford Theater and a lot of historical homes and buildings you can walk through. In the summer, they also have civil war soldiers walking through the village and show the guns, cannons and techniques they used during the battles. It's actually pretty interesting.
I've just recently started watching your program's and they are very interesting. You present them very professionally. My praise to you and your work. Thank You
Wow, thank you! I really do appreciate that.
I love history. This is amazing. I can't believe you do this channel as well. I just recently over the past month found both of them.
Awesome! Glad you like them! Hope that you continue to enjoy the content.
Seriously? Travel channel blows in comparison to how in depth you go into these facilities. They should give you a show bro! Best channel ever!! Keep em coming, please!!
Wow, thanks!
@@TheHistoryUnderground
If you had been my history teacher back in high school I'd probably be the oldest 'kid' at that 🏫 school.
My history teacher was a Kool dude and drove a WW2 ambulance of all things. 0:13
Thanks for sharing this tragic event for our Nation. I have been to Washington D.C. a few times but I have never made it to Fords Theater. It is great that you give a first hand perspective of history through your channel.
I went on the recommendation of a friend who said that it was his favorite stop in D.C. I was surprised at everything that they had there that was connected to the assassination. Very interesting place. Thanks for watching!
My college roommate and I visited Ford's Theater together! We sat in the reconstruction auditorium during our tour. We even discussed had JWB had not jumped from the Balcony and left back out the door, he would not had gotten away. So that's why he figured his escape was better off going through the stage. Plus he knew the play so well and he knew when the Audience was going to laugh. The Audience didn't know it was real until Booth escaped. The tour guide even told us what was said before Booth Shot Lincoln and the Audience and myself didn't really laugh that hard, b/c we couldn't understand the joke back then
Manhunt by James L. Swanson is one of the best books I've ever read. I couldn't put it down. Great video by you!!
About 20 years ago we saw Dicken’s Christmas Carol in Fords Theatre, had center balcony seats, it was strange watching a play with Lincoln’s box lit up
I hear you! I was there at Ford's Theatre watching a play in 77 or 78 and it was really weird. You just felt there was someone watching from the box.....
Some things have changed since I visited the theatre and Peterson House. President Lincoln's death pillow was displayed on the bed (in a glass case) with some of the bandages used. Also, the theatre balcony used to be open, to where you could walk up behind the seats the President used. Giving you the same view that Booth had. I will have to try to find the pictures I took. Granted, it was in the 90's when I visited. Keep videoing our history!
Cory McDermott - Oh man. That would have been cool. I would have loved to have been able to go to the balcony. Very cool. Thanks!
Very well done!!. I'm shocked to see you dont even have 5k subs. You know your history and make it very interesting and watchable. I just subscribed.
Thanks. Appreciate the compliment and the sub. If you catch a video that you like and think that someone else could benefit from it, feel free to give it a share.
I was there 2 years ao and I'm sorry to disappoint you. I found out from a parks department official who was in the theater, that the owners gutted it and used it for storage, tearing down the original balcony and everything else in it ( apparently the theater closed after the assassination due to the fact that no one wanted to see a play there) the only original part of the theater is the brick perimeter on the exterior of the building. The staircase you climbed is a replica, the balcony is a replica, all of it (I know I was thoroughly disappointed as well).
Hey, I didn’t know that! I thought I was walking on the original floor!
it is an exacting reconstruction, not a replica. Everything is as it was, just rebuilt, with exception of the seating which is now modernized to accommodate modern size needs. The building was an office building for the government following the closing in 1865. There was a major collapse of the interior that killed around 30 people. I t was restored through the reconstruction of the theater in the early 1960s.
Excellent job! All the main events covered so clearly. Thanks!
Well done! Every video I watch is better than the last! Thank you so much! Your hard work is truly appreciated!
Thanks! That means a lot.
I am so glad I found your videos. thank you. Matter of fact, I sent the Arlington one to our Mayor of Raritan, NJ and asked him to watch the Basilone segment you did.
Oh wow. Thanks so much. That really does mean a lot. I figure that the more people that can be exposed to history, the better off we all are.
WOW! Thank you for filming and sharing this. I love history and you have brought this part of it to light.
I was under the impression the theater was larger. Great video., I learn something every time. Thanks
I thought the same thing. I was really surprised at how small it is. Thanks for watching the channel. Always learning something!
As an addition to this video you made, which by the way was fantastic as always, I suggest maybe visiting Springfield Illinois. Lincoln’s resting place, his childhood home and several museums are well worth the visit. I hope someday you take the time
Great job again dude, appreciate the time you take for details.
Alex U - Thanks. I really appreciate that. Appreciate you watching as well.
Thank you for posting this! As a wheelchair user, you showed me things i will probably never get to see first hand! Accessibility wasn’t really on the radar then. 🙃👍🏽
Damn that artillery wound through the skull passed cleaner than a regular bullet wound! Love your videos bro! I’ve already watched most of your videos within the span of 2 days, keep it up! Can’t wait for more!
That wound was horrifying. Kind of like that entire museum. Glad that you’re enjoying the videos but I feel bad that you’ve had to look at my ugly face so much 😅
Just found your channel from researching Lincoln, I love history and everything about it so finding your channel is awesome! Have only watched this one and the one at the research science medical museum, can’t wait to see what else you have uploaded 😬
Thanks! I really appreciate that. Glad that you are enjoying the episodes so far. If you find Lincoln interesting, you might check out Episode 16. There's a cool Lincoln artifact in that one as well. If any of the episodes stand out and you want to subscribe and share, feel free. Thanks!
I went to Fords Theatre in the early 80s as an 11 year old kid. I found the city fascinating. Back then you could actually walk up to the door way of the box where Lincoln was shot. Things have changed...
"I wuz here" graffiti changed things...
Excellent suggestion and tour. By any chance was there a sign stating how many books were in that incredible pile? Unbelievable. Really nice job, thanks again. See you later!
Alexander Patrick - If there was, I didn’t see it. That was about as impressive as anything that I saw in the museum though. You might also want to check out Episode 15. Thanks for watching!
Maybe this has already been mentioned in earlier comments but I'll repeat:
1. The theater interior is not the original interior. Several years after the assassination the building interior was ripped out and was converted to a multi-floor office building. Eventually it was restored to the theater look using what photos, engravings, and blueprints still existed. It is about as accurate as it is possible to be and is a fully functioning theater.
2. The portrait of Washington on the front of the balcony of Lincoln's booth is the original from the assassination.
3. I believe the couch in the booth is also original. It is where Col. Rathbone and his date were sitting.
Thanks for that extra info! Part of why I enjoy doing this channel. Always learning!
As of 2015, the portrait of George Washington was replaced with a replica. According to the Ford's Theatre website, the original portrait has been put into storage. I just learned that myself, because the comments section fo for this video has made me Google where all the original artifacts related to Lincoln's assassination are located.
I love this channel. Thank you for all that you do.
🙏🏼
Incredible video. Excellent job. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Very good tour. You probably know that the large stack of books on Lincoln in Ford’s theater are not actual books (too heavy) but cardboard replicas. Did you know the bed in which Lincoln died is at the Chicago History Museum? They acquired it in an auction or donation. Cannot recall. It has been in Chicago for about a century. I used to touch the wooden bed frame as a child - very bad of the museum to allow touching. The museum has been redone so now the bed is behind plexiglass. Did you know the red velvet rocking chair in which Lincoln was shot is housed at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI? Saw it two years ago. Also, behind plexiglass.
This is the coolest website I've ever seen. As a fellow history buff, you are literally living my dream. How I wish you were my bestfriend! Thank you for sharing all these.
Love your videos. Entertaining and informative. Keep it up!
Loiyaboy - Thanks! I really appreciate that. Hope that you continue to enjoy the future content.
I’ve studied history and love your vids. I love military history. Thanks brother
Wow this is a great video....I'm a history buff myself...this is a very interesting and sad part of History...to actually see where Lincoln died, how it happened does something...the thing that sticks to me is....Lincoln was 6'4'' and they had to lay him diagonal across the bed because was too tall to lay the regular way. I hope one to make a trip to Ford's Theatre one day...dude keep doing what you're doing with these videos..its good stuff...I'm subscribing
Devin Rivers - Oh wow. Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad that you are enjoying them. And if you ever get to DC, Fords Theatre is a definite must see. Thanks for watching and for the sub! 👊🏻
I just subscribed after watching two of your videos. I really enjoyed watching them. Thank you!
Phyllis Mick - Thanks! Between the videos that are already up and the new episodes currently coming out on Mondays and Thursdays, you should have plenty of quarantine viewing material 😁. If you catch one that stands out from time to time and wouldn’t mind giving it a share, I’d appreciate it!
Thanks for showing these pivotal places in US history. So fascinating to see.
Wahian1 - My pleasure. Just trying to do a small part to connect people with history. Thanks for watching and spreading the word!
I was at Ford’s Theater 10 years ago for a seminar in the main auditorium, but it was after hours, so I couldn’t see the museum or the house across the street. Thank you for this.
Great, great video once again. The next time you are in D. C., you should try to get out to Mount Vernon just outside of D. C. if you have not. It's absolutely wonderful and would make a great video as well! I'm itching to get back to D. C. now after viewing this video!
A wonderful and very moving film. I’ll probably never get to see these places so thank you.
Great video. I have always enjoyed learning about Lincoln.
Went there in the 80's and you were able to go to the balcony and see the blood stains on Lincolns' chair and you were able to walk into the bedroom at the Petersons house where the blood - stained pillow was under glass. The bed he was on was much smaller than his body could comfortably lay on and the room was really small too. Amazing how real life is different than what pictures depicted at the time!
Well done--the visit has definitely been changed in how it is conducted from my last visit.
SO COOL!! Amazing video. We enjoyed every minute 👌👌👍👍🤗🤗
Pamela Kern - Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it!
Your channel makes me want to travel around to see these places even more than I already wanted to. Great videos 👍
I think the actual chair Lincoln was sitting in, is at the Henry Ford museum, Greenfield village. In Michigan.
Yes. I’ve been told that I need to visit there.
Yes the chair is there. Seen it a few times. And his death bed is in Chicago.
100% reccomend going. It's a great museum, packed to the gills with history.
And then his hat is somewhere else as well. Anyone know whete?
@@johnschnellbach986 :) th-cam.com/video/To0WBs6Qs5I/w-d-xo.html
This was the first video I ever saw watched of yours and now I’m back watching it again after watching the first episode of Manhunt on Apple TV.
Awesome! Hope that you continue to enjoy the rest of the content on the channel.
Great video! Super nice to see , very interesting. Keep up the great work!!!
June Dimond - Thanks! It’s definitely an interesting place.
Fascinating video. I love the personal effects they have of Booth. I did not know about Maj. Rathbone. Apparently he was severely wounded then grabbed onto JWB's coat causing him to fall awkwardly as he attempted to make his escape.
Yeah, that was really my favorite part of the whole complex. Very interesting to see some of the tools that were used to change history. Thanks for watching! If you liked this one, but sure to subscribe and check out the new content as it's released. Got some big plans for 2020.
I understand that the location where Booth was captured is now surrounded by a divided highway. There apparently is a sign marking the spot and a trail that leads to the area with an iron rod marking the location of the house that was there at the time. This would be interesting to check out. Thanks for your videos.
Interesting. I never knew that. Such a shame that so many historic places are now under a parking lot or a highway. I'll do some digging and see what I can find on that though. Thanks for the heads up!
@@TheHistoryUnderground Take a look at the video The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth on the mp91992 YT channel. He goes to the very spot. Also check out the channel TrotwoodDrive, Site of Booth's death, Garret Farm. You will see the iron rod that marks the farm house site. Hope this is helpful.
Awesome episode man. Thanks so much! Do you buy into any of the CONSPIRACY Theories about J. W. B. getting away? Bill O'Reilly even gets into them in his book "Killing Lincoln". Also if there is anything I can do to help such as caption your videos or anything id love to help. Again this is an amazing video!!!
Hmmm......I've not read that book, so I'm not up on any of the conspiracy theories about Booth. Thanks for the kind words and if I move to start captioning the episodes beyond what TH-cam does, I'll reach out. Thanks!
Bill O'Reilly should be in jail. His books are off the wall. If study O'Reilly's political philosophy, he would of been on the side of the Confederacy!
O'Reilly's book opens with a scene in the Oval Office which didn't even exist in Lincoln's time and the historical errors continue from there. There are many better books about the assassination.
@@triruns wasn't it fiction?
The story of the theater is truly creepy. Even being a replica, the theater is very haunting, but perhaps not only bmc of the Lincoln assassination. While being used by the Federal gvt, the theater collapsed in 1893, killing 23 people.
Before the collapse, it was used for records, and also housed a museum for Army Medical artifacts, some of which is now at the National Museum of Health and Medicine.
vikingshelm - Thanks for the extra info. Always learning something!
Very cool video. My 8th graders will be watching this at the end of the Civil War unit.
Jeff Kash - Awesome. I’ve got some more Lincoln and Civil War content on here that they may enjoy as well. Thanks!
Well, need to add this trip to the old bucket list.
Just wondering if you made it to the Mary Surratt Borading House location. Last time I went by it was a Chinese eatery with only a small plaque giving away its historic significance. Great video. We've seen a Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater and couple of times. Very moving place.
No, I dropped the ball on that one 🤦🏻♂️
I visited Ford's Theatre back in 1985 while I was TDY to the DC area for school. It was fascinating and a bit morbid. During a conversation several years later one of my fellow Technicians mentioned he was a descendent of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth's leg injury. The family spent years trying to convince the Government that Mudd was innocent and give him a full pardon (even though he got one in 1869 from President Andrew Johnson for treating prisoners and guards during a yellow fever epidemic during his time in prison.). However my fellow Airman said that according to one family member who found a long lost (or purposely hidden) diary from Dr. Mudd. Dr. Mudd acknowledges that he knew John Wilkes Booth (he had met him before during a meeting with local sympathizers that were spying for the Confederacy before the surrender) and suspected Booth was involved in the Lincoln Assassination before it was publicly acknowledged. Mudd wasn't involved with the assassination, but he did help the assassin knowing what he had done. Which was technically an accessory to murder after the fact, even by the laws of that era. He failed to report him to local authorities (most of whom wouldn't have cared as they hated Lincoln). But by failing to do so he made himself complicit in the crime. With the pitched fever of animosity after the war (and especially by assassinating Lincoln) it could have resulted in Mudd being executed versus prison. At least one of the involved assassins, John Surratt got away with an acquittal years later once the fervor settled down (and he probably was guilty). But his mother Mary Surratt was executed for her involvement in 1865. Families are fixated on righting old wrongs and many times it wasn't wrong to convict or in some cases execute that Ancestor as they were guilty as hell.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Very detailed and informative. I appreciate your love of American History; really refreshing considering the polarizing times of current society. I was really struck with the literal tower of books written on Lincoln shown at the tail end of the video. With Lincoln being one of the most written about persons in human history after Jesus, it should have come as no shock; it does, though, put into perspective just how important Lincoln was, and still is to our American heritage. Many thanks and I wish your channel the best of success.
Wow. Thanks for that. I really do appreciate it. Yes, the country does seem pretty polarized right now, which is one reason why I wanted to do these videos. To show our shared history (both good and bad). And the tower of Lincoln books impressed me about as much as anything in the museum. If you know anyone who might get something out the videos, feel free to share and also be sure to subscribe to catch the new videos. Should have one out at least once a week. Again, thanks for the kind words.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Certainly will, and you are most welcome. I look forward to future videos and commentary from your channel.
You should get your own show. This is very well done channel
I’m probably too ugly for tv.
I have a copy of my great great great uncle’s memories of his time as a soldier in DC on that day. He had just left Ford’s theater when He heard the news. He guarded the Secretary of State that night, went on searches, guarded Lincoln’s body one night and guarded Mary Surrant (forgot the spelling) one night. He mentioned that he thought Mary was a very nice person.
I has been a while since we have visited the Theater and museum. We did see a couple of plays there.
That was very interesting! Thank you very much for sharing!😊
Been to both Ford's and Peterson. Lived the excitement you exhibited after going to both.
I hope you will go to Greenfield Village, where Lincoln’ assassination chair is on display. Thank you for keeping American history alive.
Question what camera & lens you use
Sure. Filmed this with a Panasonic GH5 and a 14-140 lens.
Outstanding video.
I’ve been to those places but it was in the 1960s and your video makes me what to return.
Is the Surratt boarding house still a Chinese restaurant?
I stopped there for lunch back then.
I really enjoyed this one! Good job! Keep them coming!
Thank you. I had fun with this one. Got some big plans for future episodes that I think everyone might like.
Good job on a good video about one of history's greatest men.
Thanks! Appreciate that. Got a few other videos on this channel that you might like as well.
The blood stain chair lincoln was shot in is in the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn Michigan. Also, the home of Ford Motor company my employer for 30 years..
Skys the Limit - That’s high on my list of places to visit. I hear that there’s a lot there to see.
I think its one of the best historical museums there is. The also house all the vehicles from every US president that was shot or killed in. Next door is greenfield village with many historical houses including Fords birthplace home, Edison’s lab and the wright brothers bicycle shop.
Skys the limit - Thank you for building my car years ago..I had a 69' Fastback GT..I miss that car,it was stolen and written off.Never knew if it was ever recovered..
Keep in mind - nothing in Ford's is original - the theater was gutted and used by the War department after the assassination. It was not until the late 1960's when it was reconstructed using photographs.
Exactly
I never knew that but I'm not surprised. The white House is the same way.
You are correct. I was totally bummed out after visiting it to learn that everything is a re-creation, nothing is as it was back in 1865.
Well that’s a letdown 👎🏼🤣
That is true, I visited Ford's Theater and sat in the Auditorium while my Tour Guide stood on the stage. He mentioned that there's only one part of the theater that is original and that is the bricks outside. Everything else was redesigned. But it still gave me an idea of how to picture it being 1865 when the shooting happened
Holy book-a-moley! That's a lot of books! I really enjoyed this video!
Great video and yes I did subscribed to your channel. I do a lot in Washington D.C.. I visit there once per year at most. For Ford's Theatre I've seen two plays (love going there to see plays). I always can't help but stare at that balcony box. I've been in that museum twice. It was pretty much crowded like that the 2nd time I visited. I've seen the gun before. But now I wanted to go back and see that Lincoln signature and pillow. I'm planning on a 3rd visit next year in early May. Haven't been in the Petersen house yet, though. Looking forward to more of your videos. Also love the Smithsonian ones (do a lot there too).
Hayley B - Very cool. The Peterson house was pretty interesting but it was super crowded on the day that I was there so I was a little rushed. Felt kind of weird filming and talking to a camera with a gaggle of people standing around me. Thanks for the sub!
we went to the theater & house across the street in the 80's. It was a ghost town at both places. We got to take our time & look around to our hearts content. Stood right up to the presidents chair in the balcony. We could sit in seats down below & get the feel of the place.
Great videos! Hope you do at least one on Spotsylvania Court House.
I visited Ford's Theater back in the early 70's and remember being able to go behind Lincolns chair on the balcony, but looks like it's closed off to the public now.
Exactly..had a plexi-glass divider back then..
When I went in the 90's you could still go right up to the doorway, which had plexiglass just inside the room, and you could see the chairs, the couch, etc. I have pictures somewhere of all of that, but it was a let down to know none of it was original, due to the fire and gutting. Still very interesting though.
I was so disappointed in Ford's Theatre when I realized that the entire interior structure is a recreation. Most of the interior was gutted in 1866, more when the front of the building collapsed in 1893. A few windows, some interior struts and some of the exterior facade is all that's left. Totally bummed me out.
Exactly! Ruined it for me!
Thank you for another amazing video.
Amazing! Thanks so much for the excellent video
June Thorndale - Thanks! Really appreciate that. Hope that you enjoy the other videos and the ones to come. Doing what we can to connect people to history.
I've always wondered what became of the derrenger Boothe used. Now I know. Thanks.
No problem! Glad that the video was able to answer that question for you.
Great channel. I just SUB’D.. best wishes to you and continued success. I’m a history fanatic and have visited many places you filmed.. great stuff!!
John Okie - Thanks. That means a lot coming from a fellow history fanatic. If you see anything in the videos that I’ve glazed over or should have added, don’t be shy about chiming in. I’m always looking to learn more. Again, thanks!
You may not read comments on your older videos, however, you ended this one with an enormous stack of books on Lincoln. I’m currently reading Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. If you haven’t already read it , I highly recommend it.
Love your channel!
Thanks 🙏🏼
Excellent episode 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🇺🇦
That was fascinating. I'm a quilter. Did the quilt you showed in the beginning happen to note who made it?
Hmmmm. Not sure on that one.
I highly recommend "The Cosgrove Report" to anyone curious about the 'missing boot', the (purported) exact mate to the boot shown in this video.
drguffey - Very interesting. I’ll have to check that out. That’s what I really like about producing these videos. I end up learning a lot more. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching!
My grandparents visited the States in 1076, iirc. My grandfather always mentioned this when i asked about that trip. Dunno why he was so fascinated by the Ford Theatre. Maybe he was interested in Lincoln?
Nice to see your film of it though, kinda makes me relive what they saw on their trip too. :)
Great video. I would highly recommend you make your way to The Ford Museum in Detroit. You will be able to see the chair Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot, the car JFK was in when he was shot and the bus that Rosa Parks boarded that fateful December night. It is a history treasure trove!!
marc Smiley - I’ve had a lot of people recommend The Ford Museum to me. Seems like there would a lot there to see and learn. Thanks for watching!
Wow. Great video! It’s different than when o went in 1990. They let us walk up to the box, and see the chair from the point of view of Booth. It was glasses off to enter, but you could see the chair and POV clearly. Also the bloody pillow was across the street on the bed, incased in glass. They also had Lincoln’s clothes and hat in the basement I want to say.
Unfortunately I took only Polaroid pictures because I was a kid and camcorders were not affordable yet.
Fords theater definitely on my places to go visit bucket list
I spent two days doing the Lincoln tour of Springfield, IL a few years back on my way out to Montana. I would recommend it to everyone. It was incredible.
Thank you , great post
rodimus371 - Thanks! I really appreciate that. This was definitely one of my favorite stops in DC.
You've got to check out the Henry Ford museum in Detroit. They have the chair Lincoln was in when shot. Still has the stains.
That's history that gives one chills!
That place is high on my list. I've had a lot of people recommend that one to me.
Ive been there too...an absolute MUST SEE for any history buffs. they have the Lincoln that Kennedy was shot in there as well when I visited. Its a huge place but I recommend 2 days to do the tour to take it all in.
i just found and subscribed to this channel...textbooks cant touch seeing the actual artifacts and places where history was made.
I really enjoy your work thank you
Thanks!
The only problem is, nothing original in Fords theater except the Facade since the building once collapsed. So it's all rebuilt. However it's a great place to visit I've seen myself 5 times. There are lot more to show. Thanks for the film.
People forget to visit this famous site. There is SO much to do in Washington DC....but THIS is one place that is worth spending a decent amount of time at...AND the Peterson boarding house across the street (where Lincoln expired). I would put it in the top 10 places to see in Washington...maybe top 8....
Abraham Lincoln was a well covered subject when it comes to books. With the number that has been written about Lincoln, you would think that there wouldn't be anything else to say.
In 1957 I was 6yrs. old.That summer we went to Springfield,ILL. and visited Lincoln's home. I remember we could go into the kitchen through a side door not the front door.When my wife and I visited in the 80's you could not go inside the house only look in.On both trips we also went to Lincoln's tomb.On the 1980's trip we also visited New Salem.
Thank you for sharing this history.