Skip to Main Content

Doorway (not present in 1963) to parking garage where Oswald was shot.
Doorway (not present in 1963) to parking garage where Oswald was shot.

Where Jack Ruby Shot Lee Harvey Oswald (Gone)

Field review by the editors.

Dallas, Texas

A lengthy historical marker in front of the old Dallas police headquarters recounts the unexciting history of its construction. Then, in its last sentence, it mentions that in the building's basement is the spot where Jack Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald, "alleged assassin" of President John F. Kennedy.

It leaves out all the interesting details: Ruby was a strip club owner hopped up on Preludin diet pills, left his dachshund in the car, and casually walked into police headquarters to shoot Oswald.

Historical marker.

The spot itself is in the parking garage, and has been officially off-limits for decades, although in 2013 some local historians urged that it be opened to the public. It wasn't, and in 2015 the marker was removed when a wheelchair ramp was installed. It was never replaced.

Roadside Presidents
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.

Where Jack Ruby Shot Lee Harvey Oswald

Dallas Municipal Court Building

Directions:
The historical marker is on the east side of S. Hardwood St., just south of Main St., in front of the Dallas Municipal Court Bldg (old Dallas City Hall). The garage door entrance to the basement is around the corner, on the north side of the building, but it's almost always closed.
Hours:
Garage not open to public.
Admission:
Free
Status:
Gone

More Quirky Attractions in Texas

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Texas.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Texas Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings