Step into the chaos and conspiracy of Civil War Washington. On the night of April 14, 1865, a single gunshot changed American history forever. On this immersive guided tour, you won’t just learn about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln—you will retrace the events as they unfolded in real-time.
Your journey begins at the epicenter of the tragedy: Ford’s Theatre. Here, you will uncover the details of the plot and see rare artifacts from that fateful night. You will then cross the street to the Petersen House, the boarding house where a president drew his final breath, an intimate space that remains frozen in time.
A Complete Picture of 1865 Beyond the theatre, your guide will lead you through the streets of downtown D.C., revealing the hidden history of the Civil War capital. You will stand before the conspirators' homes, retrace John Wilkes Booth’s escape route, and see the city through the eyes of the soldiers, civilians, and spies who lived here.
Important Note on Theatre Access: Ford’s Theatre is an active working stage. On dates when the theatre interior is closed for rehearsals or matinees the tour option is marked as such and tour is upgraded to include an extended walking tour of Civil War sites, including the magnificent National Portrait Gallery and the Petersen House (which remains open), ensuring you still experience the full depth of Lincoln’s final days.