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Given their unfortunate status as prime assassination targets, U.S.
presidents enjoy Secret Service protection for good reason. If you're
traveling through Washington, D.C. and are interested in visiting some
of the infamous spots where our nation's various chief executives have
come under attack, pay a visit to these locations.
1) Blair House, 1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Nowadays, this location acts as a guest house for important foreign dignitaries who have business with the president. During Harry Truman's administration, however, the president himself stayed at Blair House for four years while the White House was under renovation. On November 1, 1950, Truman was asleep inside the home when two armed Puerto Rican nationalists attempted (unsuccessfully) to storm the premises and take his life. In the ensuing gun battle, White House Policeman Leslie Coffelt was killed, making him the only Secret Service member ever to die in the line of duty.
2) The Old House Chamber, East Capitol St NE & First St SE
On January 30, 1835, Andrew Jackson became the first American president to escape assassination - and outside the Capitol Building no less. As the president exited a funeral service being held inside the old House of Representatives, an unemployed (and unhinged) house painter named Richard Lawrence pulled two pistols on Jackson only to have them both misfire. Jackson then proceeded to beat the stuffing out of Lawrence with his cane. Don't mess with 'Old Hickory'.
1) Blair House, 1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Nowadays, this location acts as a guest house for important foreign dignitaries who have business with the president. During Harry Truman's administration, however, the president himself stayed at Blair House for four years while the White House was under renovation. On November 1, 1950, Truman was asleep inside the home when two armed Puerto Rican nationalists attempted (unsuccessfully) to storm the premises and take his life. In the ensuing gun battle, White House Policeman Leslie Coffelt was killed, making him the only Secret Service member ever to die in the line of duty.
2) The Old House Chamber, East Capitol St NE & First St SE
On January 30, 1835, Andrew Jackson became the first American president to escape assassination - and outside the Capitol Building no less. As the president exited a funeral service being held inside the old House of Representatives, an unemployed (and unhinged) house painter named Richard Lawrence pulled two pistols on Jackson only to have them both misfire. Jackson then proceeded to beat the stuffing out of Lawrence with his cane. Don't mess with 'Old Hickory'.
Getty
3) The Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW
This hotel would forever after be known as the 'Hinkley' Hilton when on March 30, 1981, John Hinkley shot and wounded President Reagan in the lung as the president left a speaking engagement. Thankfully, Reagan would recover and it was eventually discovered that a deeply disturbed Hinkley had carried out the assault in a misguided effort to impress screen actress Jodie Foster. Next time, John, just write a fan letter.
4) The National Gallery, 6th & Constitution Ave NW
Where today stands a famous art museum, once was found D.C.'s Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station. It was in this rail hub that President James Garfield was fatally targeted by Charles Guiteau - a lunatic who felt snubbed by the administration after he was not made a European ambassador. Garfield's bullet wound became infected, and it would take no less then 11 agonizing weeks before the president would finally succumb.
5) Ford's Theater, 511 10th St NW
On the night of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was mortally wounded by enraged Confederate sympathizer and well known stage actor John Wilkes Booth during a fateful performance at the now infamous playhouse. Lincoln would pass away the next morning, directly across the street at the Petersen Boarding House. Both locations are now restored and open to the public.
Aaron is a freelance writer and tour guide living in the nation's capital region. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the area to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org/journal.
3) The Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW
This hotel would forever after be known as the 'Hinkley' Hilton when on March 30, 1981, John Hinkley shot and wounded President Reagan in the lung as the president left a speaking engagement. Thankfully, Reagan would recover and it was eventually discovered that a deeply disturbed Hinkley had carried out the assault in a misguided effort to impress screen actress Jodie Foster. Next time, John, just write a fan letter.
4) The National Gallery, 6th & Constitution Ave NW
Where today stands a famous art museum, once was found D.C.'s Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station. It was in this rail hub that President James Garfield was fatally targeted by Charles Guiteau - a lunatic who felt snubbed by the administration after he was not made a European ambassador. Garfield's bullet wound became infected, and it would take no less then 11 agonizing weeks before the president would finally succumb.
5) Ford's Theater, 511 10th St NW
On the night of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was mortally wounded by enraged Confederate sympathizer and well known stage actor John Wilkes Booth during a fateful performance at the now infamous playhouse. Lincoln would pass away the next morning, directly across the street at the Petersen Boarding House. Both locations are now restored and open to the public.
Aaron is a freelance writer and tour guide living in the nation's capital region. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the area to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org/journal.
Top 5 Presidential Assassination Spots in Washington D.C.
Reviewed by Spencer Reports
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11:13 am
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Reviewed by Spencer Reports
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