A couple of passes to Ford’s Theatre on the evening of Abraham Lincoln‘s killing have been sold for an extraordinary sum of money.
The two front-row balcony tickets, reported to be in excellent condition, netted $262,500 through RR Auction, which closed the rare item over the weekend. The passes are dated “APR 14, 1865” and explicitly state that they are for the performance at “Ford’s Theatre” in Washington, D.C.
The individuals in possession of the tickets would have been seated in section D, in seats 41 and 42. This would have placed them on the opposite side of the theatre from Lincoln’s balcony seats, providing them with an unobstructed view of the former president’s assassination.
As you are aware, John Wilkes Booth — who was a performer — utilized his familiarity with the theatre space to secretly enter Lincoln’s booth during the third act of “Our American Cousin,” shooting him in the head right beside First Lady Mary Todd … only days after the conclusion of the Civil War.
By the way, there are not many tickets from that fateful night that remain in existence. One of them is known to be located at Harvard’s Houghton Library, and it represents only half of the complete ticket. The one at Harvard was even used to authenticate the balcony tickets that were sold at auction.
It goes without saying that these rare tickets hold significant value, but here’s the catch… at the time, you could have obtained the same seat for only 75 cents, with private boxes costing up to $10. Talk about inflation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much did the theatre passes sell for?
A: The theatre passes sold for $262,500 at auction.
Q: When were these tickets dated?
A: The tickets were dated “APR 14, 1865”.
Q: Where did the assassination take place?
A: The assassination took place at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Q: How close were the ticket holders to President Lincoln?
A: The ticket holders were seated in section D, opposite Lincoln’s balcony seats.
Q: How much were tickets priced at the time?
A: Tickets for the same seat were available for 75 cents, while private boxes cost up to $10.
Conclusion
The sale of the theatre passes from Abraham Lincoln’s assassination has garnered significant attention, with the tickets fetching a staggering $262,500. These historical artifacts provide a glimpse into the tragic events of that fateful night at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The high price paid for these tickets showcases the enduring fascination with the legacy of President Lincoln and the profound impact of his assassination on American history.