Free Republic

As national debate rages about the Confederate flag, a peculiar installation of that controversial banner may be hiding in plain sight – inside the cushion of Abraham Lincoln’s rocking chair, a replica that rests in a balcony box in the re-built Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The theatre—a functioning play space and a museum—reopened in 1968, 103 years after President Lincoln died by gunfire in April of 1865 at the end of the Civil War while he watched a play there. The builder of the replica chair—a now-deceased craftsman named Carlton McLendon—lived in Montgomery, Ala. and felt bitter toward the...

On this date in 1865, Good Friday, Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The 16th president died the next morning.

Bill O’Reilly’s ‘Lincoln’ Book Banned From Ford’s Theatre Because Of ‘Mistakes’ By Steven Levingston November 12 Of all the places you’d expect to find Bill O’Reilly’s new history “Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever,” Ford’s Theatre — the site of the dreadful act — should rank right at the top. But you’d do better to search for the bestseller on Amazon because it has been banned from the theater’s store. The crime? O’Reilly and his co-author Martin Dugard have displayed a serial disregard for historical fact. For a purported history of the assassination — an “unsanitized and...

The renovated Ford's Theatre Museum opened to the public this week, and among a slew of "beyond priceless" artifacts, as Ford's Theatre Society Director Paul Tetreault calls them, are John Wilkes Booth's boot, his compass, his appointment book, and some photos of his "girlfriends." What's notable is that these items, which Booth was wearing or had with him after assassinating President Lincoln on April 14, 1865, are in good condition. Even more amazing is that the government, and not historical scavengers, still has them. The reason, says Tetreault: "This was a crime scene, and all of this stuff was confiscated...

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says the theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated remains a hallowed space and a tribute to the president who kept the United States whole. Obama visited Ford's Theatre on Wednesday night for a gala rededication. In prepared remarks, Obama says Lincoln was a "singular figure" who guided the nation through the Civil War. Obama told the story of how Lincoln wanted workers to continue building the U.S. Capitol, even though the supplies might have instead been used to make wartime bullets. He says Lincoln wanted a symbol of the future. Obama and Illinois both...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

For the second consecutive year, Kelsey Grammer hosts a dazzling array of stars who entertain the nation's leaders in "An American Celebration at Ford's Theatre." The television special was taped in Washington, DC, before a live audience [March 2, 2003] that included President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush and many Washington dignitaries. The annual gala benefiting historic Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, kicks off with Kelsey Grammer charming the audience with his welcoming remarks. Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes performs her sultry hit single, "Suddenly"; ABC star George Lopez (George Lopez) brings down the house with his comedic monologue;...