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Offered languages
- English
Most Lincoln assassination tours focus on the events of April 14, 1865 and the death of President
Lincoln. This experience follows the investigation that came afterward. Through a carefully
structured narrative, guests follow the evidence surrounding John Surratt—the only major
conspirator who escaped immediate capture following Lincoln’s assassination. The tour combines
crime scene reconstruction, witness testimony, political intrigue, Confederate espionage, and an
international manhunt to create an immersive historical experience. The storytelling style is inspired
by investigative documentaries and true-crime narratives rather than traditional historical lectures.
Guests are not asked to debate the evidence but are encouraged to think like investigators as the
story unfolds.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet on staircase outside main door on K Street side.
Itinerary
-
1
• Introduction to Lincoln’s assassination. • Overview of the conspirators. • Introduction of John Surratt. • Establishment of the central mystery. • Introduction to the investigation framework.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2604 H St NW
Mary Surratt’s Boarding House (Wok and Roll) Conspiracy Headquarters • Introduction to Mary Surratt. • Introduction to John Surratt. • Introduction to Louis Weichmann. • Booth’s visits to the boarding house. • The kidnapping plot. • Early evidence gathered by investigators.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Washington Under Suspicion • Wartime Washington. • Civil War-era 7th Street. • Social and political tensions in the capital. • The city in the days following the assassination. • The growing search for conspirators.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4National Portrait Gallery
The Victim • Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. • The Civil War. • Why Lincoln became a target. • The significance of Lincoln’s death
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Ford's Theatre
The Crime Scene • Reconstruction of April 14, 1865. • Booth’s movements. • The assassination. • Witness accounts. • Immediate investigative response.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The Death Watch • Lincoln’s final hours. • Launch of the manhunt. • Identification of suspects. • Arrests and evidence collection.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
The Fugitive • John Surratt’s escape. • Confederate Montreal. • Confederate intelligence networks. • George N. Sanders. • Jacob Thompson. • Europe and the Papal Zouaves. • Capture and extradition. Objective: Expand the story from Washington into an international manhunt.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8The National Archives Museum
The Trial • John Surratt’s trial. • Louis Weichmann’s testimony. • The prosecution’s evidence. • Defense arguments. • Hung jury. • Historical legacy
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Accessibility: This walking tour follows city sidewalks and public streets. Portions of the route include uneven sidewalks, curb cuts, and moderate walking distances. Guests who use walkers or other mobility aids are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this experience is suitable for their needs.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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