Jackie Kennedy's Return to Dallas after JFK's Assassination

Many people wonder if Jackie Kennedy ever ventured back to Dallas after November 22, 1963, the day her husband President JFK was assassinated. The answer is yes, but with several intriguing details surrounding her return.

Did Jackie Kennedy Visit Dallas Again?

Yes, Jackie Kennedy did visit Dallas again. Her most notable return occurred in 1964 when she attended the opening of the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) exhibition. This event was significant for her and for the city of Dallas, as it marked a point where the healing process began in the community's collective memory.

Was Jackie Kennedy in the Limousine?

Yes, interestingly, Jackie Kennedy can be associated with the limousine incident during President JFK's assassination. She was a passenger in the same humble metal box (limousine) from which the fatal shots were believed to have been fired. This made her journey to Dallas even more poignant.

Why Did Jackie Kennedy Avoid Dallas?

There are arguments suggesting that Jackie Kennedy purposefully avoided Dallas after the assassination. The primary reason was to avoid the inevitable scrutiny and potential public humiliation. Individuals like myself, who may have a cynical perspective, might say, "Besides THAT, Ms Kennedy, how did you like Dallas?"

Why Jackie Kennedy Never Went Back to Dallas

Historical accounts suggest that Jackie Kennedy did not visit Dallas after the assassination for several reasons. One of the main concerns was the murder of the presumed assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. He was killed less than 48 hours after his arrest, which meant that her husband’s trial would not have taken place in Dallas.

The potential testimony at the trial, which would have likely been held in Dallas, was to be avoided. This was a significant relief for Mrs. Kennedy as it would have put her in a vulnerable and uncomfortable position. The quick murder of Oswald, while tragic, also spared her the pain and public scrutiny of having to testify in a city associated with her husband's assassination.

Conclusion

While Jackie Kennedy did visit Dallas for the TSHA exhibition in 1964, she avoided returning to the city for years following the assassination. Her actions and decisions were made with the best interests of her family and her resilience in mind. The visit in 1964 was a step in the healing process, but it was also a complex and sensitive issue in the broader context of the city's haunted past.