Washington, DC: Grave of Lincoln's Unwitting Attendant

Charles Forbes (1835-1895) was the unlucky presidential personal attendant who let J.W. Booth into the Lincoln box at Ford's Theatre. A cautionary tale for future generations of bouncers and bodyguards.

Congressional Cemetery

Address:: Washington, DC
Directions:: Congressional Cemetery, From the cemetery's main entrance at the corner of E and 18th Sts SE, walk straight in for a little way and turn left onto the first path. Walk approximately 300 feet up to a tall obelisk. Just before reaching the obelisk, turn left and walk approximately 70 feet. Forbes' grave will be on the left, just before a large shrub. Range 34, site 76. Coords: 38.882072, -76.977897
Hours:: Gates open daily 8-dusk Local health policies may affect hours and access.

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Grave of Lincoln's attendant.

Grave of Lincoln's Unwitting Attendant

Charles Forbes served as Abraham Lincoln's personal attendant from 1861 to 1865. His unfortunate place in history was being the person who granted John Wilkes Booth permission to enter the president's box at Ford's Theatre after the actor presented him with his calling card.

Part of the story is inscribed on Forbes' gravestone, which was placed at his previously unmarked burial site by the Lincoln Group in 1983.

[Kurt Deion, 08/01/2015]

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