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Image of the presidential motorcade on Main Street
Image of the presidential motorcade on Main Street

Image of the presidential motorcade on Main Street

Object number1989.100.0011.0005
Date11/22/1963
ClassificationsPhotographs
Photographer Bill Beal
ObjectNegative (b&w)
Credit LineBill Beal, photographer, Dallas Times Herald Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumFilm
Dimensions15/16 x 1 7/16 in. (2.4 x 3.6 cm)
DescriptionOriginal 35mm black and white negative taken by Dallas Times Herald staff photographer Bill Beal. This image shows the presidential motorcade on Main Street. The image was taken from a balcony at the Adolphus Hotel.
Curatorial Commentary
Since 1989, the Museum has recorded over 1,500 oral history interviews, many with Dallas motorcade spectators. The institution's ongoing Oral History Project continues to seek recollections on the life, death, and legacy of President Kennedy. If you recognize anyone in this photograph, or if you or someone you know caught a glimpse of President Kennedy in Dallas, please contact the Museum. - Stephen Fagin, Curator
This photo and the others taken from the Adolphus by Bill Beal is a remarkable photographic record for it shows people of all ages and races standing side by side waiting for that rare chance to see a president in person.  Dallas Police and reporters estimated the crowd along the motorcade route was somewhere between 150-200,000 people, which was nearly half the population of the entire city of Dallas.  Granted, some may have been more interested in seeing Jacqueline Kennedy than the president, but all took time out of their day to stand with others for a special moment.  The Adolphus Hotel balcony was removed years ago, but the hotel, just west of the Main and Akard intersection, offered a superb view of both the motorcade and anxious Dallas residents.  The assassination happened about two minutes after passing this spot. - Gary Mack, Curator
This picture shows Secret Service Agent Clint Hill riding on the rear bumper.  As the gigantic crowds, which were bigger than anyone expected, surged into the street, the agents prepared as best they could for a possible security problem.  - Gary Mack, Curator