JFK in Dallas: A City Marked by History

Hoang Nguyen
Jul 4
2 min read

Explore the tragedy, mystery, and legacy of November 22, 1963 — right where it happened

On November 22, 1963, Dallas became the backdrop of one of the most tragic and defining moments in American history — the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Decades later, the echoes of that day still resonate through the streets of downtown Dallas, especially at Dealey Plaza, where history stood still.

📍 The Route Through Dallas

President Kennedy arrived in Dallas that morning with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, greeted warmly by large crowds. Their motorcade traveled through downtown, heading west along Main Street, then turned right onto Houston Street, and finally left onto Elm Street — the very path you can walk today.

As the open-top limousine passed the Texas School Book Depository, just seconds from reaching the Triple Underpass, gunshots rang out.

President Kennedy was struck and fatally wounded. Governor John Connally, seated in front of him, was also injured but survived. The motorcade sped to Parkland Memorial Hospital, but it was too late.

🏛️ The Sixth Floor Museum

Today, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza preserves the history of the assassination. The museum is located in the exact building where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have fired the shots from a corner window.

Inside, visitors can view:

Historical footage and photographs
Personal accounts from that day
Detailed exhibits on the investigation and conspiracy theories
A preserved replica of the sniper’s perch

Standing near the window, looking out over Elm Street, gives visitors a haunting and powerful sense of what happened on that day.

🕵️ The Mystery and Theories

Although the Warren Commission concluded in 1964 that Oswald acted alone, debate and suspicion have surrounded the assassination ever since.

Alternative theories include:

A second shooter on the “grassy knoll”
Involvement of organized crime, foreign governments, or even internal conspiracies
Cover-ups or conflicting eyewitness testimonies

Dealey Plaza remains a place of reflection — not just on the tragic event itself, but on the lasting questions it raised about power, trust, and national identity.

🚌 Visiting Today: A Must-See Stop on Our Dallas Tour

At Crafts-Journeys LLC, we include Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum as part of our 3-hour and 6-hour private Dallas tours. You’ll have the chance to:

Walk the path of the motorcade
Stand on the famous “X” on Elm Street
Explore the museum at your own pace (entry included)
Hear historical context and lesser-known local stories from your private guide

Whether you’re a history buff or a first-time visitor to Dallas, this site is powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.