Library of Congress Photograph

The State Box at Ford's Theatre was decorated for the president during the afternoon of the assassination. Five flags (four American flags and a Treasury Department regimental flag) were set in place, George Washington's engraving was put in the middle, and furniture was moved in. A red upholstered rocker was placed at the far right for Mr. Lincoln. It was placed in the corner so Lincoln would be hidden from most of the audience. After shooting the president, Booth stabbed Henry Rathbone before climbing over the banister and jumping approximately 11 feet to the stage.

Nowadays when you visit Ford's Theatre and view the State Box, three of the items in the box are the original ones from the assassination night: the picture of George Washington, the sofa where Major Rathbone was sitting, and a carved-back, cane-seat parlor chair. Also, Ford's Theatre has one of the five flags that adorned the State Box on the night of the assassination. The other four flags are either missing or on display elsewhere.