Lincoln's Assassination Walking Tour

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On this tour, you will hear the story of President Lincoln's assassination. Your guide will share historical photographs and anecdotes to set the scene as you stop at Lafayette Square Park, St. John's Church, and Ford's Theater. It is a story filled with intrigue, mystery, and betrayal. The trajectory of this nation was changed on one night in a small family-run theater when President Lincoln was assassinated. What lead up that moment? Who was behind this coordinated plot? The entire story is stranger than fiction and on this two-hour walking tour you will trace the steps of the killers and learn all about this dark night. It is a story filled with intrigue, mystery and betrayal. Join this family-friendly tour and see why this is one of our highest-rated tours in Washington. - Walk past the White House and Lafayette Square, setting the stage for the tumultuous events that followed. - Visit the very site of Secretary of State Seward's attempted assassination and learn how it was part of a larger, coordinated plot. - Hear about the original kidnapping plot and its transformation into one of America's most infamous nights. - See landmarks like the National Theatre and the site of Kirkwood House Hotel, tied to the Vice President’s attempted assassination. - Relive the odd and tragic personal stories surrounding Lincoln’s family. - Witness the exteriors of Ford's Theatre and Peterson's Boarding House, where Lincoln took his final breath. - Hear the fascinating details of Baptist Alley, the conspirators’ escape route, and stand in awe at the places where these dramatic events unfolded. - See historic photos of the original buildings as you walk and get a glimpse into 1865 Washington. You'll learn about the events that led up to the attempted assassination of the Secretary of State and the Vice President, as well as the assassination of President Lincoln. Following in his footsteps from the White House to Ford's Theatre to Peterson's Boarding House, where he took his final breath.