Washington DC: Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour & Historic Sites

Summary

Walk in Lincoln’s footsteps from the White House to Ford’s Theatre, uncovering secrets and stories that still echo through DC streets

You’ll walk Washington DC’s streets with a local guide, tracing Abraham Lincoln’s final hours from St. John’s Church to Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House. See historic photos right where events unfolded, hear stories about Booth and conspirators, and stand in spots where history turned personal and real.

What’s the experience like?

We started outside St. John’s Church, right across from Lafayette Square — our guide, Mark, had this way of making 1865 feel oddly close. I could hear distant sirens and the low hum of traffic, but he was talking about candlelight flickering in windows and people whispering about war news. It was weirdly easy to imagine it. He showed us a photo of Lincoln looking tired, almost slumped, and I remember thinking: he probably never got a quiet moment here either.

Walking toward the White House, Mark pointed out where John Wilkes Booth actually stood during Lincoln’s last speech. I didn’t expect to feel much standing there (it’s just a patch of sidewalk now), but something about it — maybe knowing Booth was lurking in the shadows — made my neck prickle. The air smelled like spring rain on pavement. A couple tourists snapped selfies nearby; life goes on, you know?

We passed the Treasury Building (which apparently became a stand-in White House after the assassination — who knew?), then stopped by the National Theatre. Mark told us how Lincoln’s son was watching Aladdin there that same night while his dad was at Ford’s Theatre. That detail stuck with me all day for some reason. There were school kids laughing on the steps; it felt strange to think about all that grief happening so close by.

The last stretch took us down America’s “Main Street,” past the old Kirkwood House site and finally to Ford’s Theatre itself. We didn’t go inside (you need NPS tickets for that), but even standing outside felt heavy. The brick looked darker than I expected — or maybe that was just my mood by then. Across the street is Petersen House, where Lincoln died; Mark described how people crowded around outside all night waiting for news. I tried to picture it but honestly couldn’t get past thinking how small and ordinary it looks now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lincoln's final day locations

• Start at St. John’s Church overview
• Introduction at Lafayette Square
• Discuss Lincoln’s final speech at White House
• Walk past US Treasury Building
• Visit National Theatre site
• See Kirkwood House Hotel location
• Walk through downtown Washington DC
• View Ford’s Theatre exterior
• Visit Petersen House site
• Learn about Booth’s escape alley

Top questions

How long is the Lincoln assassination walking tour?

The tour follows key sites from St. John’s Church to Petersen House in downtown Washington DC and typically lasts around 2 hours.

Does this tour go inside Ford's Theatre or Petersen House?

No, you won’t enter any buildings during this tour; you can visit Ford's Theatre separately with NPS tickets if you wish.

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers along accessible city sidewalks.

Are there any photos or visuals included?

Yes, your guide will share historic photos of sites and characters during stops along the route.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all stops are accessible by wheelchair along public sidewalks in downtown Washington DC.

Who leads the tour? Are they licensed guides?

A professional licensed guide leads each group through the city with expert storytelling.

Where does the Lincoln assassination tour start?

The experience begins at St. John’s Church near Lafayette Square in central Washington DC.

What language is this walking tour offered in?

The standard tour is conducted in English by local guides familiar with Civil War history.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk through Washington DC with stops at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, outside the White House, National Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Petersen House and more — plus historic photos shared by your licensed guide as you move between sites together.