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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Petersen House

The solemn site where President Abraham Lincoln passed away on April 15, 1865, after his assassination at Ford's Theatre across the street.

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Petersen House
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What is the Petersen House known for?

The Petersen House is commonly known as the House Where Lincoln Died, as it was the site of President Abraham Lincoln's death on April 15, 1865.

What are the hours for the Petersen House?

The Petersen House is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is free, but a ticket is required. A ticket to visit the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site grants entry into the Petersen House.

What can I see inside the Petersen House?

Visitors tour three rooms on the main floor, including the room where Lincoln died, the room where Mary Lincoln grieved, and the room where Edwin Stanton temporarily led the government. The rooms are furnished with 1865-period pieces, though none are original to the house.

Where is the Petersen House located?

The Petersen House is located at 516 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C., directly across the street from Ford’s Theatre.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Petersen House, located at 516 10th Street NW, was constructed around 1849 by William and Anna Petersen, German immigrants who used the building as both a home and business. This three-story, flat-roofed brick row house with a raised basement serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of 1865. Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, the President was carried across the street to this residence. He remained here until his death on April 15, 1865. Today, the site is commonly known as the House Where Lincoln Died, and visitors can tour three rooms on the main floor. These interpreted rooms include the space where Mary Lincoln spent the night grieving, the room where Secretary of War Edwin Stanton temporarily led the federal government, and the final room where Lincoln passed away. While the rooms are furnished with 1865-period pieces, none of the furniture is original to the house. Ownership of the property was transferred to the U.S. government in 1896, and it was placed under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service in 1931. After touring the house, visitors enter the Ford’s Theatre Society Center for Education and Leadership to view exhibits on the aftermath of Lincoln’s death.

Visitor tips

  • Obtain a free ticket for the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, as this grants entry to the Petersen House without a separate ticket.
  • Plan your visit between 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., but remember the site is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
  • Allow enough time to visit the exhibits in the Center for Education and Leadership after you tour the main floor rooms.

Nearby context

The Petersen House stands directly across the street from Ford’s Theatre, forming a part of the broader Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, which protects both the house and the theatre where the assassination took place.

Sources

Evidence and links