The Night of Lincolns Assassination Walking Tour

The Night of Lincoln’s Assassination Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Visitors can retrace the fateful steps taken on April 14, 1865, as they traverse significant landmarks and uncover the harrowing details that led to the untimely death of President Abraham Lincoln. Through expert storytelling and historical insights, this immersive experience provides a profound and thought-provoking perspective on a tragedy that forever changed the course of the nation.

Key Points

1. The tour explores Lincoln’s final day, including his activities before attending the play at Ford’s Theatre, where he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.
2. Visitors learn about the historical significance of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a landmark that Lincoln frequented, and its connection to the assassination story.
3. The tour highlights the importance of Lafayette Square and the White House, providing context and insight into the events surrounding the assassination.
4. The tour takes visitors to Ford’s Theatre, where they can visualize the layout and timeline of the tragic events that unfolded on the night of April 14, 1865.
5. The tour concludes at the Petersen Boarding House, where Lincoln was carried after the assassination and where visitors can see the room where he passed away.

Overview of Lincoln’s Last Day

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln’s day began much like any other.

The 16th President attended a cabinet meeting, greeted visitors, and prepared to attend a play at Ford’s Theatre that evening.

Little did he know this would be his final day.

As the night drew on, Lincoln and his wife Mary settled into their box seats, unaware of the plot unfolding around them.

Moments later, a single shot rang out, forever changing the course of American history.

This walking tour explores the events of that fateful night, providing insights into the conspiracy and chaos that ensued.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

The tour begins at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a historic landmark just steps away from the White House.

This stately building, with its Greek Revival architecture, was a place of worship for many American presidents, including Lincoln himself.

As the group gathers outside, the guide points out the key features:

• The portico with its towering columns
• The ornate stained glass windows
• The bronze statue of John Howard Payne, the author of "Home Sweet Home"

Here, the guide sets the stage, recounting the events of that fateful night and Lincoln’s final hours before his tragic end.

Lafayette Square and the White House

From St. John’s Episcopal Church, the tour continues to nearby Lafayette Square, a historic public park that has served as a gathering place for protests, celebrations, and major historical events.

As the group walks, the guide points out the White House, the official residence and workplace of the US president, located just across the street from the square.

The guide shares anecdotes about the White House’s role in the Lincoln assassination story, adding context and intrigue to the tour’s narrative.

The group pauses to appreciate the significance of these iconic Washington landmarks before moving on to the next stop.

The National Theatre and Old Post Office Pavilion

As the tour continues, the group passes by the historic National Theatre, a prominent performing arts venue that has hosted many notable productions over the years.

This classical Greek Revival-style building has witnessed significant events, including presidential inaugurations and legendary performances.

Nearby, the Old Post Office Pavilion stands tall, a Romanesque Revival-style structure that once housed the city’s main post office.

Today, it offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck and houses various shops and eateries.

These architectural gems provide a glimpse into Washington’s storied past as the tour progresses.

Ford’s Theatre

Arriving at Ford’s Theatre, the group stands before the iconic site where the fateful events of April 14, 1865, unfolded.

This is where John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln during a performance of "Our American Cousin."

The tour guide explains the timeline of the evening, the layout of the theatre, and the harrowing moments after the shooting.

Visitors can visualize the box where Lincoln sat and the stairs Booth used to escape.

The guide’s captivating narration brings the tragic history to life, leaving the group with a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

The Petersen Boarding House

The Petersen Boarding House stands just a few blocks from Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln drew his final breath. This modest rooming house was the site where Lincoln was carried and ultimately died.

Visitors can stand in the small bedroom where the mortally wounded president passed away, contemplating the gravity of that fateful night. The building today houses a museum that recounts the events of April 14, 1865, featuring:

• Lincoln’s death bed
• Artifacts from the assassination
• Historical photographs and documents
• Interactive exhibits detailing the aftermath

The Petersen Boarding House remains a somber yet powerful reminder of that tragic evening.

Historical Context and Anecdotes

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865 sent shockwaves through the nation and forever etched this tragic event into the American psyche.

Tour guides provide valuable historical context, sharing little-known anecdotes that add depth and intrigue to the story. Attendees learn about the web of conspiracies surrounding the plot, Lincoln’s final hours, and the chaos that unfolded in its aftermath.

Guides often highlight the role of "co-conspirator" Mary Surratt, whose case has fueled debates about due process. These insights help bring the events to life, leaving participants with a richer understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

Visitor Information and Tour Experience

Visitors begin the tour at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the starting point for the walk through history.

The tour takes guests on a roughly 1-mile journey, lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Along the way, highlights include:

• Passing by the White House, National Theatre, and Old Post Office Pavilion
• Visiting Ford’s Theatre, the site of Lincoln’s assassination
• Stopping at the Petersen Boarding House, where the President drew his final breaths

The knowledgeable, licensed guide provides engaging historical anecdotes and photographs, creating an immersive experience for attendees.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible for the Entire Route?

According to the tour details, the walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Travelers with service animals are also welcome to join. The entire route is designed to accommodate those with mobility needs.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and allows service animals, but outside food and drinks are permitted throughout the walking route.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point From the Nearest Metro Station?

The start point, St. John’s Church at 16th and H St NW, is a short 5-minute walk from the nearest Metro station, McPherson Square. Visitors can easily access the tour starting point using public transportation.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed to Be Taken During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally allowed on the tour, but guests are advised to check with the guide at the start. Some tour sites may have restrictions or require visitor consent for capturing images.

Do the Tour Guides Accommodate Large Private Groups?

The tour guides can accommodate large private groups, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers. They provide a guided experience that includes historical photos and anecdotes, catering to the needs of larger parties.

The Sum Up

The Night of Lincoln’s Assassination Walking Tour offers a poignant exploration of the fateful night that altered American history. Through captivating storytelling and historical insights, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the somber events surrounding Lincoln’s assassination. The tour culminates at the Petersen Boarding House, where Lincoln succumbed to his injuries, leaving a lasting impact on the nation.