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    The Petersen House

    4.5 (73 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    tower of books on Abraham Lincoln!
    Christine M.

    we enjoyed the walking tour of Abraham Lincoln, the Ford Theater and coming to see how small the Petersen house was but to walk through history pretty cool. Lots of field trips! Which i do think is great not sure they are really getting it at 13-15, think 10yr olds would appreciate it more. Unless they have a project they are working on to really get into it. It's not a long tour but worth seeing!

    Cody S.

    Pretty cool piece of history. Directly across the street from ford theater where the shot happened. Still preserved the way it was the night it happened. It's definitely worth seeing. Depending on what theater package to buy it comes with it as well! Worth doing along with the theater tour, but by itself it's a little dull. Just basically walking through a hallway and a bedroom, still worth it, just don't be too hipped!

    Nick P.

    Abraham Lincoln was shot at the theatre and brought here where he died. The ticket I bought online for Ford's Theatre also included the Peterson House. Be sure to check the details before buying. The ranger gives a little detail and lets small groups at a time. It's a very short tour. Be sure to check out the tower of books all based on Lincoln.

    Julie S.

    The actual home is small, you can view 2 rooms -- the waiting room and the replica of the bed where Lincoln dies. The actual bed is in Chicago... But the museum/exhibit next door has a lot of information about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the famous stack of Lincoln books.

    Outside
    Kevin B.

    This is a must-see if you're visiting Ford's Theater as it completes the story of what happened on the night that President Lincoln was assassinated. Lincoln was brought here after he was shot and he died in this home. You can tour the house, which is only a few rooms, and see the room and bed where Lincoln died. There is also a museum attached to it that goes into detail about the hunt for Booth and the aftermath of the assassination, which was fascinating to read. This is an essential place to visit for American history enthusiasts and I would highly recommend coming here.

    Parlor
    Steve A.

    Good place after a Ford's Theater experience. It's included in the admission price. The Petersen House is where Lincoln died the day after being shot. Lots more information throughout here. You need to make sure you have the ticket. If you're going to Ford's Theater to learn about Lincoln, you also need to come here. It's where Lincoln was taken so he could pass away peacefully. The bedroom he died on is open for the public. Also there's two other bedrooms. The actual bed he died on isn't here though. In the museum are exhibits about the aftermath. These describe the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, his capture, and how the country mourned. Keep in mind the theater hours. If you want a tour of the theater you might have to go in the morning. The house and theater aren't always included together.

    Marlon T.

    Abraham Lincoln died in this home. You can see the room/bed where he died. It's kinda weird, interesting, and sad all at the same time. Admission is free, you just need to grab a ticket from Ford's museum across the street. Rest in peace to this American statesman!

    11.23.18  across the street from Ford's Theatre
    May A.

    Good visit... I wasn't disappointed After our visit inside the historic Ford's theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated, we headed outside to see the house where Lincoln died. The house is located just across the street from the theatre. This is a small home and tours inside can accommodate about 15 guests at a time. It was included with our purchase of the Historic Site ticket. Our self-guided tour took about 15 mins inside. We couldn't really roam around the house, basically moving in a line to see the interior of the home and where President Lincoln was brought after he was shot and eventually died here the next morning. The Petersen House is also maintained by the National Park Service. Collect your National Park Passport stamp inside the Ford's Theatre at the Box Office. The house is remarkably maintained considering how much foot traffic from visitors and tourists it gets. Actually, we were fortunate to be able to enter the house during our visit because it had just reopened in June this year from a 6-month closure and it will be closed again in January-February 2019 for continued preservation work. It was an eye-opening experience for me to see the room in which he died in and further deepened my understanding of President Lincoln's assassination. We then visited the connecting building which was the Center for Education and Leadership. The exhibits explored the assassination aftermath and President Lincoln's legacy. I had a great experience and is a must-see when in DC. This is included with our $3/person admission fee. Review #1198

    Pam D.

    Petersen House...the house where President Lincoln died, located right across from Ford's Theatre. (It's now a museum.) A tour explaining Lincoln's assassination isn't complete without seeing this place. Go to Ford's Theatre first though!

    The Petersen House - The House Where Lincoln Died sign.
    Marilu F.

    A ticket to Ford's Theatre will also grant you access to The Petersen House across the street. The Petersen House, simply put, is where Abraham Lincoln was taken after he was fatally shot on April 14, 1865, and died the morning after. A small abode, Lincoln was taken to a room, where he was attended as best as he could be. Many people came in and out, paying their last respects to the president and hoping for some sort of miracle, but Lincoln never awoke from his unconsciousness and instead went onto the next world. Today this house is well preserved. The rooms have been left as close to the original house as possible, and aside from lights and air conditioner, it is essentially the same as in the old times. Walking into this house, you are experiencing history. You will also be unaccustomed to the lack of space or at the very least I was. Times have certainly changed. At any rate, once you leave the area spent his last dying breath in, you can walk across and be connected to another section full of what happened after. Something to note that is impressing about this section: they have a tower of all the books written on Lincoln ever. That being said, there isn't much else to say; it is your typical museum, gift shop and all.

    Dani C.

    "He Now Belongs to the Ages" - Secretary of War Edwin Stanton On April 14, 1865, after Booth shot President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, Lincoln was carried into the Petersen boarding house across the street. The doctor at Lincoln's bedside updated the crowd each hour on the president's condition. Physicians continually removed blood clots which formed over the wound and poured out the excess brain fluid and brain matter from where the bullet had entered Lincoln's head in order to relieve pressure on the brain. However, the external and internal hemorrhaging continued throughout the night. His final update came at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865: the president had died (age 56). During the president's final hours, he was surrounded by his wife and son, and various U.S. government officials. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton turned one of the rooms into an interrogation area, interviewing witnesses about what happened inside the theatre. After the Presidents passing, his body was placed in a temporary coffin covered with an American flag, and returned by hearse to the White House, accompanied by a cavalry escort. Booth was located in Virginia 11 days later and was shot by Union forces, dying two hours later. The Petersen home was purchased by the U.S. government in 1896 for $30,000.

    Kathleen D.

    Keep your ticket in hand after Ford's Theatre and safely cross the street to the house where Abraham Lincoln passed away for free entry and more compelling history. The actual bed where Lincoln died is on display in Chicago, but there's a replica bed available to view if you're into that type of thing. There's also interactive exhibits to peak your interest and learn more about the events that led to the assassination. It won't take as long to walk through this home, but it's worth a visit for sure.

    Andy V.

    What a cool find! With your admission to Ford's Theater you're also able to walk across the street and enter the Peterson House, the home where Lincoln was transported to after being shot at Ford's Theater and later died. First, the ticket to Ford's theater which again includes this museum was $5. You cannot beat two museums which such historical value for that price. Anyway, when I walked in I was greeted by an elderly gentleman who told me about the home. He kind of talked my ear off which was fine because I wasn't in a rush and I could tell he enjoyed being a history nerd. He showed me where Mary Todd Lincoln would sit and weep, scream even, for hours and then try to see Lincoln to check on his condition. He also let me know that the house is pretty much is in the original condition as to when Lincoln was there- of course electricity was added so lighting was updated. You can see the bed where he died which was very surreal. After that you take an elevator up to four, why, I kept thinking and then I realize there is another entire museum dedicated to Lincoln! So much stuff, from the manhunt of John Wilkes Booth to Lincoln's legacy in popular culture- it was totally amazing. Between this and Ford's Theater, I could have stayed all day. The monument of books on Lincoln is cool too. It shows his impact on our country for sure. Do yourself a favor and check this out! You will love it, and honestly, if you don't- you spent $5.

    There are over 15,000 books currently in print about the 16th president with more being written everyday.

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    Quick little tour but goes a long well with the Ford Theatre tour. Definitely check it out to complete that story.

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    Ask the Community - The Petersen House

    Review Highlights - The Petersen House

    Right next to Ford's Theater stands the location where Abraham Lincoln was taken following his assassination.

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    National Mall - Cherry Blossoms

    National Mall

    4.7(463 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    The national mall is a must. If you are visiting DC it is a really cool part of history and a…read morelovely place to walk around. You can make it a few hours, a whole day, or just take a morning jog around the park. There are so many open spaces to picnic or let the kids play. There are also many iconic restaurants and museums near by. You can't miss this stop if you are in DC. My pictures are only a few of the highlights. There are so many iconic spots you have to check out.

    The National Mall is a must-visit for both locals and tourists to learn American history. Exhibits,…read moremonuments, and Smithsonian museums showcase historical facts from early European settlement on the eastern shores, post-Civil War Reconstruction, world wars era, Civil Rights era, Asian-American wars era, women's suffrage, modern history, and contemporary history, art, and culture. The National Mall is over 1,000 acres of greenspace, museums, gardens, sculptures, and iconic landmarks all in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. Situated along the thoroughfares of Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues and all cross streets in between, The Mall is open 24/7 with exception to closed door museums. On a beautiful day, the area can seem like a paradise with its ponds, fountains, tree-lined streets, and gardens. Visit during the spring and you can witness the country's most beautiful displays of cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers along the Tidal Basin. At night, the monuments are beautifully illuminated, which can be seen from every vantage point low and high. Much of The Mall's exhibits are best seed during daytime hours. Many of the highly-populated areas are well-lit, however, please be careful as some of the areas around the Tidal Basin, Constitution Gardens, and and Haines Point (East Potomac Park) are dimly lit if not devoid of any lighting at night. However, overall The Mall is generally safe as tourists frequent the area in packs at all hours of the day, but be smart and proceed with caution when walking along The Mall at night. You can spend multiple days just walking and sightseeing along the avenues. A week might be enough time to visit all the major museums. The Mall also hosts many activities and annual events like collegiate commencements, group tours, photography, sports, kite flying, and other pastimes. The Mall is also home to the East Potomac Golf Course and tennis courts. East Potomac Park is perhaps the least glorified area along The Mall, however, it is a great open space for walking/biking, people-watching, picnicking, and dog walking. There are many fields throughout The Mall where locals participate in competitive sports leagues such as VOLO. Often, you'll see large groups playing volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, kickball, football, and even local college teams practicing their water sports along the Potomac River. TIPS: Check the forecast before visiting. Unless you are visiting one of the many museums, The Mall is all outdoors, so ensure your day won't be ruined by weather. Arrive early for parking. You can park along Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues, however, pay close attention to and adhere to parking signs. I recommend downloading the Parkmobile app to pay for parking. If strictly walking around the mall, I recommend parking along a main thoroughfare and walking along the perimeter of The Mall. There are private food and ice cream trucks along The Mall. You can also find refreshment stands and gift shops in and outside of museums and monuments. You'll also find street vendors selling cold soft drinks, water, and ice cream. Bring cash to limit credit card exposure to private vendors. Public restrooms are strategically situated throughout The Mall. I recommend packing hand sanitizer and toilet seat covers if for nothing more than when using the restrooms. The restrooms are generally clean during the winter, however, during the summer when increased tourism outpaces the area's cleaning schedule, you'll need to protect yourself. Overall, a memorable experience each and every visit.

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    National Mall - Washington Monument taken from Jefferson Memorial

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    Old Post Office Tower

    Old Post Office Tower

    4.4(49 reviews)
    0.2 miFederal Triangle

    A free and excellent view of Downtown Washington DC can be viewed from the Old Post Office and…read moreClock Tower, which is the 3rd tallest structure in DC. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was completed in 1899. This is attached to the (now) Waldorf Astoria, however the Tower is manned by the National Parks Service. The entrance is in the back of the hotel, and the elevator looks out into the hotel's atrium. When you reach the open air top floor, you'll look out for a 360 degree view. One lonely park ranger is up there, and they are there year-round. When we visited, it was completely empty and we had the space to ourselves (and the ranger).

    Actual rating: 3.5/5…read more Ok so in fairness, I have never cared for panoramic views. I came here with my friends on a day trip to DC after seeing a post about this place on social media. The entrance to the this place to see the views is incredibly tricky to access. The Waldorf took over and shut down the way to access through the building so you'll have to walk around and find the nearly completely hidden from street view entrance. For ease, I have linked the approximate location from Apple Maps below. There is a small historic background museum when you enter following the bag search and this is part of the National Parks stamping service so if you collect those speak with the nice ranger on duty. There are two elevators to travel to get to the top, the first takes you up to see views of the Astoria and the second will show you the rooftop from the Old Post Office Tower. This view is obscured by bars that make photography challenging. Would I, who does not like views, come again? No. But!!! If you are into views this is quite nice and free so I would recommend.

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    Old Post Office Tower - Clock tower and atrium

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    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    4.5(29 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    This is a low-key memorial that is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have…read moremade the ultimate sacrifice. There is metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance. It is right across the street from the Law Enforcement Museum and the DC Court of Appeals. On the other side of the memorial, you will find the Building Museum. The memorial was designed by architect Davis Buckley and dedicated on October 15, 1991. It sits on three acres of federal park land. It has a water feature. However, it was dry during my visit. I looked like they were doing some maintenance on it. The Memorial also features two curving limestone walls along its perimeter, each over 300 feet long, with the names of more than 24,000 officers who died in the line of duty etched on them. The walls are a part of the memorial, along with a line of trees, called "pathways of remembrance". You will find a pathway on each side of the memorial, and each entrance is marked by a powerful statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs. The sculptures are the work of Raymond Kaskey. They symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage, and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect. The people being honored date back to the first known death in 1786. The memorial is ever-changing. New names of fallen officers are added to it each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. I did not see much seating at the memorial, but this place is not a park. It is meant to honor. It does have a peaceful effect, even with the Metro elevator right in the middle. This is not a destination spot, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

    I visited a lot of law enforcement museums, and this is the best one I have ever been so far. This…read moreis not a free museum, but it worth the money you spent. They offers law enforcement and student discount tickets. Security and staff were very friendly. My favorite were the use of force demonstration and driving stimulator that visitors can experiences how police officers handle certain situations. There was an instructor, who had 30+ years experience coaching us throughout the experience. I enjoyed that a lot. I will come back again if I happened to be in town.

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    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
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    Lincoln Memorial - View from the top

    Lincoln Memorial

    4.8(1.3k reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Can believe I haven't done a review before. First of all I love dc and could look at all these…read morethings over and over again. The memorials are diverse works of art and this temple is no exception The fours score and seven steps that lead to the "Lincoln moment" is one of the truly sacred places in our country. Every American should visit and read two of the three most important American speeches (along with dr kings which was delivered from this spot) Truly beautiful breathtaking architecture Be grateful america!

    The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who was…read moremartyred for his contribution in leading the U.S. through the Civil War and eventual freeing of approximately 4 million enslaved Africans and their American descendants after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Lincoln Memorial, at the moment, is the furthest memorial west of The National Mall (with the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, currently under construction, being adjacent to and slightly further back along Constitution Avenue. The memorial is a little over 100 years old, but you couldn't tell considering its relatively pristine condition due to use of marble and granite in its construction. The stairs of the Lincoln Memorial is the platform of the iconic MLK "I Have A Dream" speech. Normally you can find visitors and tourists sitting on the stairs of the memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is a feature itinerary stop for tour groups, many of which normally a minimum of 25 people. The memorial is in the final stages of completing its $69 million project of a museum and exhibit underground, giving more of a story and construction history of the memorial. The best time to visit the memorial is at sunset and night when it is illuminated and the top of the stairs presents a photo op for the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol in the backdrop.

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    "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough" --Robert Capa

    Executive Office of the President

    Executive Office of the President

    4.5(2 reviews)
    0.7 miFoggy Bottom

    What's prettier than the White House, the Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian put…read moretogether? Yes, Ariana Grande is a good answer, but I was looking for the Executive Office on 17th St! A long time ago, the love of my life used to say that this building was the highlight of her trips to DC, and I can see why. I remember walking with her in the pouring rain next to it, and taking pictures of her exposing herself in front of it. Times change... But this building never did. It's glorious and resplendent. It reminds me of something in France, but better kept, perhaps. It looks palatial. If the White House is a little underwhelming then this executive office is completely awe-inspiring. It's level with the Capitol as my favourite building in the DC area, and is the easiest 5-star rating I've given since my Cousin Daniel got drunk and showed me the ropes.

    Didn't really have a lot of time to roam around Pennsylvania Ave. And my friend and I, being…read moreslightly less than ignorant didn't know that the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE would be on Pennsylvania Ave. ** Not impressed** So our pictures we're not exactly anythng to brag about. So we decided to take pictures in front of the Executive Office of the President where the FRONT of this architecture was much more impressive than the BACK of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. Still a great experience to roam DC and take in the history and political side of the US. (You don't get much of that or appreciate it as much coming from the west coast. Hence, the ignorance of the FRONT vs the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE. =X)

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    Executive Office of the President
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    The Petersen House - museums - Updated May 2026

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