About this experience
Most Lincoln assassination tours focus on the events of April 14, 1865 and the death of President
Lincoln. This experience follows the investigation that came afterward. Through a carefully
structured narrative, guests follow the evidence surrounding John Surratt—the only major
conspirator who escaped immediate capture following Lincoln’s assassination. The tour combines
crime scene reconstruction, witness testimony, political intrigue, Confederate espionage, and an
international manhunt to create an immersive historical experience. The storytelling style is inspired
by investigative documentaries and true-crime narratives rather than traditional historical lectures.
Guests are not asked to debate the evidence but are encouraged to think like investigators as the
story unfolds.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Lincoln Memorial Guide for First Timers
Plan your first Lincoln Memorial visit with the best times, views, and nearby stops—plus one quiet detail most first-timers completely miss.
Lincoln Memorial at Night Guide
Plan a Lincoln Memorial night visit with practical advice on access, Metro routes, parking, evening facility closures, accessibility, photography, and current route conditions.
What is included
- Entrance fee
Not included
- Gratuities
- meals are paid for by the customer
- Bottled water
Itinerary and highlights
• Introduction to Lincoln’s assassination.
• Overview of the conspirators.
• Introduction of John Surratt.
• Establishment of the central mystery.
• Introduction to the investigation framework.
Mary Surratt’s Boarding House (Wok and Roll)
Conspiracy Headquarters
• Introduction to Mary Surratt.
• Introduction to John Surratt.
• Introduction to Louis Weichmann.
• Booth’s visits to the boarding house.
• The kidnapping plot.
• Early evidence gathered by investigators.
Washington Under Suspicion
• Wartime Washington.
• Civil War-era 7th Street.
• Social and political tensions in the capital.
• The city in the days following the assassination.
• The growing search for conspirators.
The Victim
• Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.
• The Civil War.
• Why Lincoln became a target.
• The significance of Lincoln’s death
The Crime Scene
• Reconstruction of April 14, 1865.
• Booth’s movements.
• The assassination.
• Witness accounts.
• Immediate investigative response. EXTERIOR ONLY due to NPS closure of Ford's through Aug. 25, 2026
The Death Watch
• Lincoln’s final hours.
• Launch of the manhunt.
• Identification of suspects.
• Arrests and evidence collection.
The Fugitive
• John Surratt’s escape.
• Confederate Montreal.
• Confederate intelligence networks.
• George N. Sanders.
• Jacob Thompson.
• Europe and the Papal Zouaves.
• Capture and extradition.
Objective: Expand the story from Washington into an international manhunt.
The Trial
• John Surratt’s trial.
• Louis Weichmann’s testimony.
• The prosecution’s evidence.
• Defense arguments.
• Hung jury.
• Historical legacy
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet on staircase outside main door on K Street side.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- DC Baltimore Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Accessibility: This walking tour follows city sidewalks and public streets. Portions of the route include uneven sidewalks, curb cuts, and moderate walking distances. Guests who use walkers or other mobility aids are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this experience is suitable for their needs.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
Accessibility: This walking tour follows city sidewalks and public streets. Portions of the route include uneven sidewalks, curb cuts, and moderate walking distances. Guests who use walkers or other mobility aids are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this experience is suitable for their needs.
What is the cancellation policy?
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