Why wasn’t Grant in the theater with Lincoln when he was shot? Ulysses S. Grant, the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War, was invited by President Abraham Lincoln to attend the play “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865. However, Grant declined the invitation.
The reasons for Grant’s absence are a mix of personal and situational factors:
Family Obligations:
Grant’s wife, Julia Dent Grant, had plans to visit their children in Burlington, New Jersey. The Grants decided to stick to their original plans instead of attending the theater.
Fatigue and Desire for Rest:
Grant had been heavily involved in the final days of the Civil War, including the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. After the intense period of military action, Grant was likely fatigued and preferred to rest.
Potential Security Concerns:
There are suggestions that Grant might have been concerned about security, though this is less certain. There had been reports of threats against his life, and the chaotic post-war environment could have heightened these concerns.
Ultimately, Grant’s absence may have saved his life, as John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, also intended to target other key figures in the U.S. government that night.
