Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House

Experience an intimate journey into one of America’s most pivotal moments with the Lincoln Assassination Tour, priced at just $79 per person. This 2-hour 30-minute guided walk in Washington DC offers reserved entry to Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House, allowing visitors to see the sites where history unfolded. With a high rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 252 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling.

Unlike generic museum visits, this tour emphasizes inside access and personalized insights. The small group size of just 12 travelers ensures a comfortable, interactive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or visiting DC for the first time, this tour offers a detailed look at Lincoln’s last hours, making it a compelling addition to any itinerary.

Key Points

• Reserved entry into Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House allows close-up views of significant sites.
• Guided walking tour covers key locations related to Lincoln’s assassination, including Pennsylvania Avenue.
• Expert guides bring the story to life with detailed, engaging narration.
• Small group size of 12 offers a more personal and immersive experience.
• Tour duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to a day in DC.
• The tour is suitable for moderate physical activity and is accessible near public transportation.

The Starting Point at the Unscripted Tours Office

The tour begins at Unscripted Tours’ office located at 400 7th St NW #102 in Washington DC. This central location makes it easy to access via public transportation and sets an ideal starting point for the walk through Civil War-era DC. Travelers meet here for a brief check-in before heading out to explore the historic sites.

The meeting point’s proximity to other downtown attractions offers flexibility for planning your day. The tour concludes at Ford’s Theatre on 10th Street NW, where guests can continue exploring or return easily to their accommodations.

Walking Along Pennsylvania Avenue: Tracing Lincoln’s Final Night

The tour’s first stop is Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, a route laden with history. Over 30 minutes, the guide leads travelers along this iconic street, highlighting key sites such as where John Wilkes Booth lived and where he obtained a horse. These locations connect directly to the conspiracy surrounding Lincoln’s assassination.

During this segment, the guide shares insights into the Washington, DC setting during the Civil War era. Travelers learn about the characters involved and the geography of the events of April 14, 1865. This walking portion offers a chance to see the city’s historic buildings and gain context before entering the theater.

Inside Ford’s Theatre: Artifacts and the Scene of the Crime

Ford’s Theatre is the centerpiece of the tour, with reserved access to explore both the museum and the theatre itself. The museum displays rare artifacts related to Lincoln’s assassination, offering a close-up look at items seldom seen by the public.

The guided tour of the theatre takes guests inside the actual venue where Lincoln was shot. The guide explains the events of that night and shares stories of the characters involved. Seeing the theatre booth where Booth fired the fatal shot provides a visceral connection to history. The experience is enriched by the guide’s storytelling, which keeps the narrative engaging and informative.

Visiting the Petersen House: Lincoln’s Last Hours

The final stop is the Petersen Boarding House, where Lincoln was taken after he was shot. Visitors receive reserved entry to explore inside this historic house, including the room where Lincoln drew his final breath. This visit lasts about 30 minutes and offers an intimate look into the moments following the assassination.

The interior provides a poignant setting that emphasizes the gravity of Lincoln’s death. The guide highlights how this house served as a temporary hospital and the significance of this site in American history.

Features of the Tour: Small Group, Engaging Guides, and Hidden Details

This small-group tour is limited to just 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable pace. Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, such as Jim and Skye, who are praised for their storytelling skills and depth of understanding.

Guests appreciate the insights into lesser-known details, such as Booth’s prior locations and the conspiracy’s intricacies. The tour also features exclusive access to sites, giving participants a behind-the-scenes feel they cannot get on their own.

Practical Information: Meeting Point, Duration, and Accessibility

The tour departs from Unscripted Tours’ office at 400 7th St NW #102, making it easy to locate and near public transportation options. The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, suitable for those with moderate physical mobility.

Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as the tour involves walking through historic neighborhoods. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted.

Insights From Reviews on Guides and Experience

The reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling ability. Jim and Skye are mentioned frequently as engaging narrators who bring Lincoln’s final days vividly to life. Visitors note they feel well-informed and entertained, with some saying the stories gave them chills.

Travelers also commend the small group setting, which fosters a more engaging and less rushed experience. Notably, Jim’s expertise extends over the conspiracy’s details, making the walk both educational and captivating.

Comparing with Similar Washington DC Tours

This assassination tour stands out due to its inside access and focus on Lincoln’s last hours. Other nearby options include general Smithsonian walking tours or Arlington National Cemetery visits, but this tour offers a more focused and personal perspective on a defining moment in American history.

Similar experiences, such as guided visits to Arlington or Smithsonian museums, are broader, but none provide the reserved theatre access and inside Petersen House visit in such a compact format.

Why This Tour Is a Top Choice for History Buffs

The combination of reserved access, expert guides, and a focused narrative makes this tour especially appealing for those interested in Lincoln, the Civil War, or historic tragedies. The small group size enriches the storytelling, allowing for more interaction and questions.

It suits visitors who appreciate detailed stories and want to see the actual sites of Lincoln’s final hours firsthand. The $79 price point also offers good value for the exclusive access and personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on the Lincoln Assassination Tour

This tour delivers an engaging, detailed look at Lincoln’s last night through inside visits to Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House. It combines walking through historic streets with time inside key sites, all guided by knowledgeable storytellers.

While the walk is manageable for most, those with mobility concerns should prepare accordingly. The small group size and reserved entries make for a more intimate and memorable experience, especially for history enthusiasts eager to learn the untold stories behind the assassination.

For anyone seeking a well-organized, insightful tour that balances walking with storytelling, this experience offers a compelling glimpse into a defining moment in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Lincoln Assassination Tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, including visits to Ford’s Theatre, Petersen House, and the walking segment along Pennsylvania Avenue.

What sites are included in the tour?
The tour includes reserved entry to Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House, and a walking route along Pennsylvania Avenue highlighting key historical locations.

Is there any physical activity involved?
Yes, the tour involves walking through downtown Washington DC, with moderate physical activity required. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Unscripted Tours’ office at 400 7th St NW #102 and concludes at Ford’s Theatre on 10th Street NW.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, canceling at least 24 hours in advance offers a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most guests, including seniors, find the pace manageable, especially since the tour is limited to 12 participants. Guides are praised for clear narration and accommodating different needs.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
While accessible near public transportation, the tour itself involves walking and may not be fully wheelchair accessible.

What makes this tour stand out?
The reserved access to sites not reachable on your own, small group setting, and expert storytelling from guides like Jim and Skye give it a distinctive edge over more general historical tours.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 35 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended for securing a spot, especially during peak seasons.