Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2014.

The Chair Lincoln sat in when he was Shot

Artist Alexander Gardner (American (born Scotland), 1821 - 1882)

DateApril 1865

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsOverall: 8 x 6 1/4 in. (20.3 x 15.9 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange

Object number98.32.315

Terms

U.S. Civil War
Men
Military affairs

Collections

Photography

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe David L. Hack Civil War Photography Collection. This is a photograph of the chair Lincoln was sitting in at Ford's Theater in Washington on April 14, 1865. It is a wooden rocking chair with plush cushions on the arms, seatback, and bottom cushion. This is from _Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War_(Hack Collection No. 2].

Label TextThe Chair Lincoln sat in when he was Shot, 1865 American Albumen print (photograph) The relics of Lincoln’s final moments were of immense curiosity to the public after his death. This black walnut upholstered rocking chair belonged to the manager of Ford’s Theatre and was brought down from his apartment especially for Lincoln to use on April 14, 1865. After the assassination, this chair remained in the presidential box for a week, where Mathew Brady and others photographed it. Authorities then seized the chair as evidence for the trial of Lincoln’s murderers. Gift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange 98.32.315