A pair of extraordinary theater tickets from the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination recently made headlines for the staggering amount they sold for at auction. These historical artifacts, dating back to April 14, 1865, were auctioned off for a jaw-dropping $262,500.
Key Takeaway
A pair of front-row balcony tickets to Ford’s Theatre from the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination has fetched an astonishing $262,500 at auction. These tickets not only provide a chilling glimpse into history but also serve as a rare and highly sought-after testament to one of the most significant events in American history.
A Glimpse into History
The tickets, which were for the front-row balcony of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., offer a chilling glimpse into one of the most significant moments in American history. Disturbingly, the seats in question would have provided an unobstructed view of the tragic events that unfolded that fateful night.
Section D, seats 41 and 42 were situated opposite President Lincoln’s balcony, where he and First Lady Mary Todd were enjoying a performance of the play “Our American Cousin.” It was during the third act of the play that actor John Wilkes Booth, armed with intricate knowledge of the theater, snuck into Lincoln’s booth and assassinated him.
A Rare Find
Such tickets from the night of Lincoln’s assassination are incredibly scarce, and their historical value cannot be overstated. The tickets sold at auction are in remarkably good condition and are an important testament to one of the most significant events in American history.
Interestingly, there are only a few known tickets from that tragic evening still in existence. One of them is housed at Harvard’s Houghton Library, although it is only a half-ticket. This ticket at Harvard served as a point of reference to authenticate the tickets that were recently auctioned off.
A Testament to Changing Times
The price tag attached to these theater tickets is undeniably steep, emphasizing their immense historical significance and desirability among collectors. However, what truly astonishes is the contrast with the original ticket price. At the time, a ticket to the same seat would have cost a mere 75 cents, with private boxes priced at up to $10. This stark contrast serves as a vivid reminder of the impact of inflation over the years.
