How long does it take to walk the Lincoln assassination route?

The walk itself is about 1.5 miles and takes roughly 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. If you choose to enter Ford's Theatre and the museum, plan for an additional hour.

Is Ford's Theatre worth visiting on a self-guided walk?

Yes, it is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the United States. Even if you only view the exterior, the history of the site and its relation to the Petersen House across the street is a vital part of the Washington D.C. experience.

Can I see the room where Lincoln died?

Yes, the room is located inside the Petersen House. It is preserved to look as it did on the morning of April 15, 1865, and is part of the National Park Service site that includes Ford's Theatre.

Is the Mary Surratt Boarding House still standing?

Yes, the original building still stands at 604 H Street NW. While it is now a restaurant called Wok n' Roll, a historical plaque on the exterior marks its significance as the meeting place for the Lincoln assassination conspirators.

What is the best time of day for a Penn Quarter history walk?

Morning is best, ideally starting around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM. This allows you to visit the museums before they get too crowded and ensures you have plenty of daylight to see the architectural details.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the Penn Quarter neighborhood is flat and has well-maintained sidewalks. Most of the stops on this route are fully accessible, though some historic buildings have narrow hallways.

Where does the Lincoln history walk start?

The walk begins at the Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, which is easily accessible via the Metro Center station. It's a landmark building that served as Lincoln's home just before his presidency began.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the high-stakes atmosphere of the American Civil War on this self-guided walk through Washington D.C.'s historic Penn Quarter. On April 14, 1865, the trajectory of American history changed forever. This neighborhood stroll follows the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and the conspirators who sought to dismantle the Union government. You will start your independent exploration at the Willard Hotel, a site synonymous with political power where Lincoln spent his final days before his first inauguration. As you navigate the streets of the capital, you will experience the juxtaposition of modern D.C. with the preserved brick facades of the 19th century. This walking route is more than just a list of landmarks; it is a journey through the final hours of a presidency. You will visit Ford’s Theatre and the modest boarding house across the street where the 16th President drew his last breath. Along the way, the audio walk highlights the often-overlooked stories of the era, including Clara Barton’s tireless work for missing soldiers and the controversial boarding house of Mary Surratt. For those interested in a walking tour Washington DC provides plenty of options, but this self-guided route allows you to linger at the sites that move you most without the pressure of a group. Whether you are a history buff or a first-time visitor, this walking route offers a profound connection to the past. You will see where the plot was hatched and where a nation mourned. Discover the secrets of Penn Quarter at your own pace, from the grand architecture of the Old Post Office to the hidden history tucked away in Chinatown’s bustling streets. This is a must-do experience for anyone looking to understand the true heart of Washington D.C. through its most pivotal historical moments.

Highlights

The Willard Hotel, where Lincoln lived before his inauguration

Ford's Theatre, the site of the 1865 assassination

Petersen House, the 'House Where Lincoln Died'

Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office

The Mary Surratt Boarding House, a den of conspiracy

Breathtaking views of the Old Post Office Pavilion

Tour Stops (6)

InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C.

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Willard Hotel, often called the 'Residence of Presidents.' In February 1861, Abraham Lincoln stayed here under tight security due to assassination threats before his first inauguration. It was in these opulent hallways that the term 'lobbying' was popularized, as President Ulysses S. Grant would escape the White House for a cigar in the lobby, only to be cornered by advocates seeking favors. As you stand outside this Beaux-Arts masterpiece, imagine the tension of a city on the brink of war, and a president-elect preparing to lead a divided nation.

Old Post Office Pavilion

A short walk brings you to the Old Post Office Pavilion, a Romanesque Revival landmark completed in 1899. While it post-dates Lincoln, it stands on the site of older structures that witnessed the city’s expansion following the Civil War. Its clock tower is the second tallest structure in D.C., offering a perspective on how the city grew from a muddy 'city of magnificent intentions' into a global capital. Take a moment to admire the granite facade and the massive arches that represent the federal government's enduring presence in this historic corridor.

Petersen House

Across the street from Ford's Theatre stands the Petersen House, a modest brick home that became the center of the world on the night of April 14, 1865. After the shooting, the mortally wounded Lincoln was carried here because the doctors feared he would not survive a carriage ride to the White House. He was laid diagonally across a small bed in a back room, as he was too tall to fit straight. Explore the solemn atmosphere of the house where the President spent his final nine hours, surrounded by his cabinet and a grieving family.

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is perhaps the most famous site in American presidential history. On that fateful Good Friday, Lincoln sought a night of relaxation watching the comedy 'Our American Cousin.' Instead, John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor familiar with the theater's layout, slipped into the presidential box. Today, the theater is a working playhouse and a national historic site. Look up at the recreated presidential box, draped in flags, and reflect on how this single building serves as both a monument to a tragedy and a celebration of the performing arts Lincoln loved.

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office

Tucked away on 7th Street is a site that was nearly lost to history. Clara Barton, the 'Angel of the Battlefield,' lived and worked here during and after the Civil War. From this office, she and her team answered over 60,000 letters from families searching for lost loved ones, eventually identifying over 22,000 missing soldiers. The office was rediscovered in 1996 when a builder found a cache of Barton’s belongings in the attic. It stands as a testament to the humanitarian spirit that sought to heal the nation's wounds long after the fighting stopped.

Mary E. Surratt Boarding House

Your walking route concludes at a site that looks very different today. Now a restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, this was once the boarding house of Mary Surratt. It was here that John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators met to plan the kidnapping, and later the assassination, of President Lincoln. Mary Surratt’s involvement remains a subject of historical debate; she became the first woman executed by the U.S. federal government for her alleged role in the plot. It is a haunting reminder that history often hides behind the most ordinary-looking doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through Penn Quarter is widely considered the best way to see D.C.'s Civil War history. This specific route covers the Willard Hotel, Ford's Theatre, and the Petersen House, offering a comprehensive look at Lincoln's final hours.