About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Ford's Theatre Washington DC Guide
Curious what awaits beyond Ford’s Theatre’s restored stage in Washington, DC? This guide reveals the visit’s most haunting turn.
White House Visitor Guide
Curious about touring the White House? Learn the key rules, hidden details, and one mistake that could end your visit before it begins.
Best Restaurants Near the White House
Find the best restaurants near the White House for historic atmosphere, French café fare, cocktails, group meals, breakfast, and polished occasion dining in downtown Washington DC.
What is included
- Professional, Licensed Tour Guide
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour Following in Lincoln's Footsteps
- Historic Photos to View on the Tour of Sites and Characters
Not included
- Entrance into Ford's Theatre (tickets from NPS required)
Itinerary and highlights
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.
Meeting and pickup information
- 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.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- DC by Foot
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
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