Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot by actor John Wilkes Booth while the president was watching a play at Ford’s Theatre.

Discover the Lincoln Memorial's history, design, & significant role in American identity. Explore its power as a symbol of unity, freedom, & civil rights.

Abraham Lincoln was our tallest president. At 6-foot-4, he would stand out even today, ... “too tall a target” for the Confederates—until warned by a Union officer to get down. ...