Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Lincoln Assassinated at Ford's Theatre — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This history reading passage explores the events of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre in 1865. Students will learn about the key figures involved, the sequence of events, and the impact on the United States. The passage uses clear, simple language and includes bolded vocabulary words to support literacy development. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline of events. This resource is aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it ideal for building history knowledge and ELA skills. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided, supporting diverse learners. Keywords include Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre, assassination, John Wilkes Booth, Civil War, and U.S. presidents.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Assassination of President Lincoln at Ford's theatre on the night of April 14, 1865
Source: Library of Congress - Library of Congress

President Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, just five days after the Civil War ended. The nation was celebrating peace after four long years of war. Lincoln had worked hard to keep the country together and end slavery. People were hopeful for a better future.

On the night of April 14, Lincoln went to Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He planned to watch a play called Our American Cousin. The president sat in a special box with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and friends.

As the play went on, a man named John Wilkes Booth slipped quietly into the theater. Booth was an actor who did not agree with Lincoln's ideas. He wanted to stop Lincoln from helping the country heal after the war.

Booth entered the president's box and shot Lincoln in the head. The crowd was shocked and confused. Booth jumped onto the stage, shouted, and escaped out the back door. People tried to catch him, but Booth got away in the darkness.

Doctors rushed to help Lincoln. They carried him across the street to a small house. Many people stayed nearby, hoping for good news. But Lincoln died the next morning, on April 15, 1865.

The news of Lincoln's death spread quickly. People all across the United States mourned. What was supposed to be a time of joy turned into a moment of deep sorrow. Lincoln had led the country through its hardest times. Now, he was gone.

Booth was hunted by the army for almost two weeks. He was found hiding in a barn and refused to surrender. Soldiers captured him, and Booth died from his injuries.

Lincoln's death was a national tragedy. Many believed his leadership was needed to bring the country back together. His funeral train traveled from Washington, D.C., to his home in Illinois. Thousands of people paid their respects along the way. Lincoln is remembered as one of America's greatest presidents.

Interesting Fact: Lincoln's funeral train passed through 180 cities and towns so people could say goodbye to their leader.

Who shot President Lincoln?

John Wilkes BoothMary Todd LincolnUlysses S. GrantFord Theatre manager

Where was Lincoln shot?

Ford's TheatreWhite HouseIllinois homeTrain station

What war had just ended?

Civil WarWorld War IRevolutionary WarSpanish-American War

Why did Booth shoot Lincoln?

He disagreed with Lincoln's ideasHe wanted to watch the playHe was Lincoln's friendHe was a soldier

How did people react to Lincoln's death?

They mourned and felt deep sorrowThey celebratedThey ignored the newsThey did not care

What happened to Booth after the assassination?