Summary
516 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Phone +1 202-347-4833
History of the Petersen House
The Petersen House is an unassuming boarding house steeped in rich history as the location where President Abraham Lincoln spent his final hours. It is now part of the National Park Service and GoTravelDaily. Visitors can step inside to experience this significant site where Lincoln took his last breath.
Located at 516 10th Street NW in downtown D.C., the National Park Service recounts the story of the Petersen House, originally owned by William and Anna Petersen. William was a tailor, and the couple took in boarders to supplement their income. On the evening of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln while watching a performance from the Presidential Box at Ford’s Theatre.
Due to the severity of Lincoln’s injuries, he was carried across the street to a back bedroom in the Petersen House. Despite the best efforts of the attending doctors, they realized they were unable to save him. Outside, a crowd gathered, holding vigil for the fallen president. Lincoln was attended to by his wife, Mary Lincoln, and key government officials. The urgency of the moment required Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to convert a back parlor into an interrogation room to pursue Lincoln’s murderer. It was within the confines of the Petersen House that Lincoln passed away at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865.
Over time, the home transitioned into a private Lincoln museum before being acquired by the National Park Service in 1933. It has undergone restoration multiple times, most recently renovated in 2017 to incorporate historically accurate wallpapers, period furniture, and modern fire protection. The three rooms in the house today are furnished with pieces representative of the year 1865, as noted by the NPS.
Highlights to See in the Petersen House
For a more immersive experience of the house’s history, consider downloading Ford’s Theatre Society’s New Voices of Petersen House TimeLooper app. This app provides an interactive tour that enhances your visit through engaging photographs and firsthand accounts from witnesses who were present when Lincoln was on his deathbed.
How To Visit
A visit to the Petersen House is included with tickets for Ford’s Theatre. You can reserve tickets ahead of time for a nominal convenience fee: select your preferred date and time for your visit. There might be a few available same-day free tickets, but be mindful that Ford’s Theatre is a highly sought-after tourist spot. According to the historical organization, same-day tickets often run out by 9 a.m. during peak tourist seasons in the spring and summer. Therefore, advance reservations are advisable.
The Petersen House is self-guided, with an average visit lasting around 20 minutes. Please note that the entry line can be lengthy during the summer; however, it typically moves quickly. Timed-entry tickets are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with entry permitted 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The Petersen House is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside.
What To See and Do Nearby
While at the Petersen House, consider crossing the street to visit Ford’s Theatre, the site of Lincoln’s assassination, which is also an operational theater in the nation’s capital. The Ford’s Theatre Society complex features a Center for Education and Leadership that includes two floors of permanent exhibits detailing the aftermath of Lincoln’s death and his continuing legacy. Additionally, a museum dedicated to Lincoln’s presidency showcases artifacts related to the assassination.
The Petersen House and Ford’s Theatre serve as an excellent starting point for exploring other attractions in Washington. The Renwick Gallery is nearby, along with the National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum located in the vibrant Penn Quarter. Furthermore, the White House is only about a 15-minute walk from the Petersen House, and it’s easy to grab a cab or take a stroll to the National Mall and its renowned Smithsonian museums from this location.
