The Kennedy X

The story

This is the single most visited square of asphalt in Dallas. The story of that day still shapes how the world sees this city.

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot while riding in an open limousine westbound on Elm Street through Dealey Plaza. A white X painted on the pavement (replaced whenever the street is resurfaced) marks the approximate spot of the fatal head shot — the place most visitors come to stand. The Texas School Book Depository sits behind you; the Grassy Knoll and Triple Underpass sit ahead. The X is not an official memorial — it is a visitor tradition — but standing on it puts you in the exact frame of the Zapruder film.

Sources: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza · NPS — Dealey Plaza Historic District · Wikimedia — Dealey Plaza pavement X's

Visitor tips

Show up ready.

• Hours: Public street — always accessible; watch traffic
• Parking: West End garages; Sixth Floor Museum lot when open
• Best photo: Stand on the X facing the Triple Underpass; or shoot from the Grassy Knoll looking back at the Depository
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon