Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre
Description
This tour will take you minute by minute through the last day of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. You will meet the conspirators who were desperately trying to save the Confederate cause in the dying days of the Civil War. There were to be 3 attacks that night. This tour unfolds as a story filled with suspense, intrigue, and espionage. -The White House - where Lincoln gave his final speech in the presence of his later assassin, John Wilkes Booth -Home of Secretary of State Seward - who was attacked that night by a co-conspirator of Booth -National Theatre - potential site of Booth's attack on Lincoln, but instead where his young son learned of the death of his father. -Site of the Kirkwood House Hotel - where VP Andrew Johnson lived and an attack on him was planned. -Ford's Theatre - the site of the assassination while watching a play. Travelers may opt to visit on their own. Tickets from NPS required. -Peterson's Boarding House - where Lincoln took his final breath.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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)
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.
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)
Walk past the US Treasury Building, which acted as the temporary White House after Lincoln's Assassiantion.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: This tour does not enter any buildings during the tour
Reviews(256)
Enjoyed the tour. My guide was very informative and outgoing. Would definitely recommend this tour. It does require walking so be prepared.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour. We appreciate your recommendation and the helpful tip for future guests. Hope to see you again soon!
Lots on history presented well. The guide was easy to hear and understand. Many stops so it was an easy walk
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour. It's wonderful to hear the history was engaging and the pace made for a comfortable walk. We appreciate your feedback!
Georgia was an excellent tour guide. She had amazing energy, knowledge and professionalism. It’s been my favorite tour since our stay at DC. I highly recommend it to everyone that visits .
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Georgia. Her energy and knowledge truly make for a memorable experience. We appreciate your recommendation!
The leader was so passionate and had more than just general memorized info about Lincoln. It was so fun to hear the excitement in his retelling of what happened that night and the ensuing days. If you are a Civil War enthusiast or presidential history buff, don’t miss this one.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour. It's wonderful to hear your guide's passion and storytelling made the history come alive. We appreciate your recommendation!
Exceptional! Would do it again!
Thank you! We're thrilled you had such an exceptional experience. We'd love to welcome you back on another tour soon!
It was a nice walk past some landmarks while hearing the details of the last day leading up to Lincoln's death. Very interesting, but would have been nice to be able to go into the Lincoln Theater.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We're glad you enjoyed learning about the events surrounding Lincoln's final day. We appreciate your suggestion and hope to welcome you on another tour soon.
Our tour guide Becca was great!! Very knowledgeable and a great story teller. Apparently I slept through American History in school and had no idea there was such an elaborate plot set into motion to kill the president.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Becca. Her storytelling and knowledge truly bring history to life. We appreciate your kind words!
Colin was a fantastic tour guide. We took our two teenage children and they enjoyed it. Would recommend, especially the 7:00pm evening tour.
Thank you! We're so glad you and your family enjoyed the evening tour with Colin. We appreciate your recommendation and are happy your teenagers had a great time too!
trevor was fantastic!!! he was so captivating and i learned so so much! the stops were great and he was full on knowledge.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Trevor. His passion and knowledge truly make for an engaging experience. We appreciate your kind words!
Mike was very knowledgeable and friendly. He would take the time to tell the story in a meaningful way. While clearly understanding the gravity of the story, he still provided some lighthearted palate cleansers.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Mike. His thoughtful storytelling and balanced approach truly make for a memorable experience. We appreciate your kind words!
