Debunking the Conspiracy: The Kennedy Motorcade Route in Dallas

The narrative surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination often includes the idea that the motorcade route was altered to intentionally slow down as it passed through Dealey Plaza, creating a more dangerous situation for the President. However, this claim is far from the truth. Let’s explore the real story behind the motorcade route and how it was determined.

Route Determination and Execution

The motorcade route for President Kennedy’s visit to Dallas was meticulously planned by the Secret Service in coordination with the Dallas Police Department (DPD). According to official records, the route was chosen as the only way to reach the World Trade Center where Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a speech at a luncheon.

The idea that the route was changed at the last minute is a common conspiracy theory. However, the route was clearly laid out and published in the Tuesday Dallas newspapers, three days prior to the event. The standard route included a brief but noticeable slowdown in Dealey Plaza as the motorcade passed through the “canyon” formed by the three high-rises—Hill pontos, D Young Oil, and Life Insurance Building.

Dealey Plaza: The Reality Behind the Myth

Often, Dealey Plaza is perceived as an expansive, open-air space, much like Kansas. However, the reality is quite different. A visit to the plaza reveals its true character: a small triangular plot of grass flanked by two merging streets, with open grassy areas on all sides. This open setting, rather than any “canyon” or choke point, makes it highly improbable that snipers could have established effective positions undetected.

Sniper positions in wide-open spaces with no cover or concealment are virtually impossible to maintain without detection. The claim of a “canyon” or any choke point in Dealey Plaza is a myth propagated by various conspiracy theories that refuse to be debunked.

Why the Route was Slowed?

The slowdown in Dealey Plaza, contrary to conspiracy theories, was not due to a secret plan to create a more dangerous situation. Rather, it was a precautionary measure taken because of the growing crowds lining the streets, eager to see the President up close. The Secret Service did not anticipate the sheer number of people who would try to surround the motorcade, leading to the need for a temporary slowdown to control the situation.

Additional Details on the Planned Route

The route through Dealey Plaza was particularly important as it served to lead the President and his entourage directly to the South Atlantic Ave entrance of the Dallas Trade Mart, the venue for the luncheon. However, this route was also controversial due to the complex architectural features of the Trade Mart, including a catwalk that posed security concerns.

The decision to change the route was made on November 15, 1963, under the insistence of Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Governor Connally. They chose to take Kennedy through Dealey Plaza, as it included a more controlled route and ensured a more secure environment. The slowdown in Dealey Plaza was necessary to navigate the complex turns and ensure the motorcade's safe passage to the Trade Mart.

A catwalk near the entrance to the Trade Mart required the motorcade to slow down, and Kennedy was ultimately killed during the slowdown as the motorcade completed two hairpin turns.

When considering the events of November 22, 1963, it is crucial to rely on historical facts and official records to understand the real circumstances surrounding the motorcade route. Conspiracies and misperceptions can obscure the truth, but the truth, as recorded in official documentation, is far more compelling than any wild theory.