The Night of Lincoln's Assassination Walking Tour

Washington, US
94% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (182 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore President Lincoln's final months in the White House
  • Visit the historic theaters connected to the assassination
  • Learn about Vice President Andrew Johnson's close call
  • Step inside Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was shot
  • Experience the somber atmosphere of the Petersen Boarding House

Meeting Point

Please meet your guide at the entrance of the church on 16th Street NW, NOT the Parish House on H St NW. The tour begins at St. John's Church, the yellow-columned church at the corner of 16th and H St NW, across the street from Lafayette Square.

Meeting point

1525 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005 , United States

End point

End Point

The tour ends outside Ford's Theatre. We do not go inside Ford's Theatre on the tour.

Meeting point

511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

St. John's Episcopal Church

Nicknamed the Church of the Presidents, we start our tour here to get an overview of Washington DC in the 1860s; understanding the events that led to this fateful night. (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 5 minutes
2

Lafayette Square

The tour will begin with an introduction to President Lincoln's final months in the White House. New characters will be introduced as we explore the historic row houses that surround the park.

Duration 10 minutes
3

White House

We talk about Abraham Lincoln's presidency during the Civil War and his final speech; given at the White House in the presence of his later assassin, John Wilkes Booth. (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

United States Department of the Treasury

Walk past the US Treasury Building, which acted as the temporary White House after Lincoln's Assassiantion.

5

The National Theatre

On the day of the assassination, John Wilkes Booth stopped by this theater and met with a friend. Later that evening, Lincoln's son Tad was at this theater watching a play: Aladdin or his Wonderful Lamp. (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 10 minutes
6

Old Post Office Pavilion

Across from this grand old building was the location of the Kirkwood House Hotel. This is where Vice President Andrew Johnson stayed. Conspirator George Azerodt rented a room here and was given the job to attack Johnson that same night... (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 5 minutes
7

The White House

Learn about America's Main Street as you walk through downtown Washington DC, following in the foot steps of Presidential Inaugural Parades and how the residents of Civil War Washington DC traversed the city.

8

Ford's Theatre

This is the historic theater where John Wilkes Booth snuck up behind the President like a coward and fired that fateful shot. Today it is a working theater and it has been restored to his Civil War era grandeur. Millions of Americans visit this location every year to remember Lincoln and his legacy. (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Petersen Boarding House

This small and simple historic row house was a boarding house at the time of the Civil War. After Lincoln was shot, he was taken to a room on the first floor of this house while the doctors attended to his health. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton interviewed witnesses here that night. Robert Todd Lincoln arrived from the White House and stayed by his father's side all night. It was a sad procession early the next morning when they finally brought the President's lifeless body down the steps for his carriage journey back to the White House. (We do not enter any buildings on this tour)

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
10

Baptist Alley

The original alley behind Ford's Theatre through which John Wilkes Booth escaped after the assassination. Ask your tour guide to tell you about it and you can walk there after the tour! It is open to the public and you can see some original buildings.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
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    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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    Service animals allowed
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Please note: This tour does not enter any buildings during the tour
Provided by Visit DC Tours

What our experts say

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    Grab a coffee at nearby Founding Farmers.
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    Visit Ford's Theatre for a show later.
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    Explore Lafayette Park after the tour.
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    Check out the National Mall nearby.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

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