Ford Theatre Tour | American Civil War History Walking Tours with Context Travel

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Washington

Join an expert guide on an unforgettable journey through the Civil War era in Washington, D.C., the heart of the Union war effort. Your expert guide will discuss the many events of the Civil War, the bloodiest conflict in American history, and connect the past with how it relates to present-day Washington, D.C.

As you make your way to your first stop, your guide will share valuable insights into the history of the area during the time of the Civil War. You will then arrive at Ford's Theatre - visiting the theater is a moving experience, offering a glimpse into the tragic night that President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Visitors can enter the theater and walk up to the balcony where Lincoln was shot. From one perspective to another, you'll follow the exit John Wilkes Booth took after the assassination attempt. You may then have the chance to visit Peterson House, the home where Lincoln was taken after he was shot and ultimately took his last breath.

Following the tour of Ford's Theatre, your expert guide will walk you through the nearby downtown area that served as one of the hubs of the Union War effort. Your tour will include stops at a historic building that housed Union soldiers, tended their wounds, and if they died, prepared their bodies for burial. Your expert guide will wrap up your tour at the National Gallery of Art to view and discuss the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial, the iconic memorial that honors the first African-American regiment to fight in the Civil War.

Choose this tour if...

You're a history buff looking to expand your knowledge of the Civil War and go toe-to-toe with a true expert
It's your first time in Washington, D.C., and you are seeking a greater knowledge of American history
You’re a returning visitor and want to deep dive into the importance of this iconic historical event that shaped our nation

Sites Visited

Ford's Theatre and Museum – a historic site and museum dedicated to the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and the events of his assassination
National Gallery of Art – home of the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial

Logistics

Tickets

Includes admission tickets to Ford's Theatre.
- Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.

General Information

You'll begin your tour in the grand lobby of the Willard Hotel, a landmark steeped in history. From there, we'll proceed to the iconic Ford’s Theatre, a site of immense historical significance. Our tour concludes with an inspiring visit to the National Gallery of Art.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility

Ford’s Theatre: There are wheelchairs available for rent on-site at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Box Office. A photo ID is required. There is elevator access for each exhibit in the venue.
National Gallery of Art: Visitors may borrow wheelchairs at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. All public spaces and facilities are accessible by elevator.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome. Please let our team know in advance, so we can make arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

What does the tour of Ford’s Theatre consist of? There are four exhibits that are part of a visit to Ford’s Theatre - the Theatre, Museum Peterson House and the Aftermath Exhibits. The tour of the theatre may be a walkthrough guided by the Context guide or it may be a” ranger walk” guided by a Parks ranger from the theatre.

Is access to all four exhibits at Ford’s Theatre guaranteed? No, not all dates and time slots offer access to all four exhibits. We choose the specific time slots for this tour as they are the ones with a higher chance of access to all four exhibits. We can almost always guarantee entry to the Theatre and Museum, but cannot always guarantee access to Peterson House or the Aftermath Exhibits.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Willard Hotel
Ford's Theatre
National Gallery of Art

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Civil War History Tour with Ford's Theatre general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

4 Reviews

Derek was very friendly, personable and full of information! We thoroughly enjoyed our Civil War tour and highly recommend it.

Photo Shared by Theresa with their review

Theresa Sep 14, 2025

Mary was excellent, even on a sweltering day!

Scott Aug 10, 2024

This was an incredible tour and Iook forward to taking again on my next visit. I loved having Mary Jo, my own personal historian available to answer all my questions and curiousities.

Alondra Feb 15, 2024

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