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Petersen House House Where Lincoln Died

4.6
·306 reviews·Washington, United States

The modest boarding house where President Lincoln died after the Ford's Theatre assassination. A poignant historical site.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective

CrowdLow
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Petersen House House Where Lincoln Died

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The modest boarding house where President Lincoln died after the Ford's Theatre assassination. A poignant historical site.

4.6
(306 reviews)

"It was surreal to be in the same room where Lincoln lost his life. A must for history students."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Ticket Inclusion

Your Ford's Theatre ticket usually covers the Petersen House. Confirm when booking!

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Combine with Ford's Theatre for a full historical immersion. Don't rush the experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 306 reviews

Type

Historical Place

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lincoln's Death Room

Lincoln's Death Room

Petersen House

Stand in the room where President Lincoln spent his final hours after the assassination. A somber and powerful experience.

The Petersen House Interior

The Petersen House Interior

Petersen House

Explore the authentically recreated 19th-century boarding house, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in history.

Ford's Theatre Museum

Ford's Theatre Museum

Adjacent to Ford's Theatre

Discover artifacts and exhibits detailing Lincoln's life, the assassination, and its aftermath. A comprehensive historical context.

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Planning Your Visit

Tickets & Timing

Your Ford's Theatre ticket typically includes entry to the Petersen House. Book in advance, especially for peak times, as tours can fill up. Check your ticket details to ensure both sites are covered.

What to Expect

The Petersen House is a preserved 19th-century boarding house where Lincoln was taken after the shooting. While the bed is a replica, the atmosphere offers a poignant glimpse into the final hours of his life.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Abraham Lincoln’s death bed at the Chicago History Museum #abrahamlincoln #presidents #history #fyp
@freyzel_productions
241.9K likes • 2.7M views

🎟️ Ticket Inclusion

Your Ford's Theatre ticket usually covers the Petersen House. Confirm when booking! Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Combine with Ford's Theatre for a full historical immersion. Don't rush the experience. Reddit

Can guests still visit the house where Lincoln died? The answer is YES! The Petersen House is a part of the Ford’s Theatre campus and is open for daily visitation. #WashingtonDC #Museum #AbrahamLincoln #FordsTheatre #AmericanHistory #USHistory #FordsTheatreNHS
fordstheatre
957 likes • 25.6K views
reddit.com

House where Lincoln died, 10th St NW, Washington DC ca 1900 -> 2018

I visited Ford’s theatre and the Peterson House while I was in DC over the 4th of July. Both are well worth the visit.

🚶‍♀️ Cross the Street

The Petersen House is directly opposite Ford's Theatre. Easy to access. Reddit

📚 Book Tower Insight

Don't miss the impressive tower of books about Lincoln in the gift shop area. Reddit

reddit.com

Lincoln's deathbed at Petersen House, taken shortly after the President's body was removed, April 1865 [700 x 554]

He was taken across the street from Ford’s Theatre and died at 7:26 AM.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Ticket Inclusion

Your Ford's Theatre ticket usually covers the Petersen House. Confirm when booking! Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Combine with Ford's Theatre for a full historical immersion. Don't rush the experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Cross the Street

The Petersen House is directly opposite Ford's Theatre. Easy to access. Reddit

📚 Book Tower Insight

Don't miss the impressive tower of books about Lincoln in the gift shop area. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Silence

The atmosphere is somber. Be mindful of others seeking a quiet reflection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(306 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Petersen House a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a tangible connection to President Lincoln's final hours. While the house itself features recreated furnishings, the emotional impact is undeniable. The adjacent museum is praised for its artifacts, though some note a lack of original items within the house. It's considered an essential part of the Ford's Theatre experience.

"This was a surprise bonus to our Ford’s Theater tour. When we thought we were finished at Ford’s Theater, the staff told us we could head over to the Petersen House across the street, which happens to be the house Abe Lincoln was taken to after being shot. He passed away at the house. It was interesting to see the house set up like it was at the time. There were more sho it’s about Abe Lincoln - everything was really nicely done. I highly recommend!"

John T

"If you purchase tickets for Ford’s Theatre (across the street), this is included as well. This is where President Lincoln died, and they have a replica of the bed where it happened. However, many of the displays featuring artifacts were empty, which was quite disappointing. Nevertheless, the most impressive aspect of this place is the tower of books written to Abraham Lincoln. It goes from the 4th floor all the way down to the gift shop, where you can find a variety of souvenirs."

Adriana De Pitkin

"This was the second leg of our tour of Ford's Theater. This was the place where Lincoln lost his life on April 15, 1865. You could really sense the panic that happened trying to rush President Lincoln to safety, to deliver swift medical attention, and to keep him stable. It was all surreal to be in the same room. If you're a student of history, this is a must. Words can't do this justice."

Chris

What People Like

Profound historical connection
Somber, reflective atmosphere
Essential Ford's Theatre add-on

What People Dislike

Lack of original artifacts (in house)
Replica bed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Petersen House is located directly across the street from Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. It's easily accessible via public transportation, with several Metro stations nearby (e.g., Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown). Many visitors arrive on foot if staying in the downtown area. Reddit

Parking in this area of D.C. can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or rideshare services. If you must drive, look for commercial parking garages in the vicinity. Reddit

Typically, admission to the Petersen House is included with a ticket to Ford's Theatre. It's best to check the official Ford's Theatre website for the most current ticketing information and any separate entry options. Instagram

They are directly across the street from each other, making it a very short walk. You can simply cross 10th Street NW. Reddit

The area is generally accessible. The Petersen House itself is a historic building, and while efforts are made for accessibility, it's always good to check with the venue directly for specific needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, your ticket for Ford's Theatre includes admission to the Petersen House. It's crucial to verify this when purchasing your tickets online or at the box office. InstagramReddit

Admission is typically included with a Ford's Theatre ticket. If there are separate entry options, check the Ford's Theatre website for current pricing. Instagram

The Petersen House generally follows the operating hours of Ford's Theatre. It's best to consult the official Ford's Theatre website for the most up-to-date hours of operation. Instagram

While same-day tickets may be available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as timed entry slots can sell out. Reddit

Standard museum policies apply. Large bags, food, and drinks are usually not permitted inside. Check the Ford's Theatre website for a full list of prohibited items. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The primary draw is the room where President Lincoln was taken after being shot and where he ultimately died. Visitors can also see the recreated 19th-century boarding house setting. Reddit

No, the bed in the Petersen House is a replica. The original bed is reportedly in Chicago. However, the room is recreated to reflect the period. TikTokReddit

While some reviews mention a lack of original artifacts in the house itself, the adjacent Ford's Theatre museum has significant items like John Wilkes Booth's pistol and the knife used in the attack on Seward. Reddit+1

A visit to the Petersen House itself can take about 30-45 minutes. If you combine it with the Ford's Theatre museum, plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Reddit

The Petersen House offers a somber historical experience. While educational, parents should consider their children's age and sensitivity to the subject matter. The museum portion may be more engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, flash photography is prohibited inside historic buildings like the Petersen House to preserve artifacts and maintain the atmosphere. Check for posted signs or ask a ranger. Reddit

The exterior of the Petersen House offers a classic historical street view. Inside, focus on capturing the atmosphere and the recreated setting, but be mindful of any photography restrictions. Reddit

A straight-on shot of the facade from across the street provides a good overview. Inside, focus on the details of the period furnishings and the somber ambiance of the death room. Reddit

Capturing the essence of the death room is more about the historical significance than a perfect shot. Be respectful and discreet if taking photos, and always adhere to any rules. Reddit

The Ford's Theatre museum and archives often have historical photographs available for viewing or purchase. Online historical archives are also a good resource. Reddit

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