Lincoln's Missing Conspirator: the John Surratt Saga

2 h 30 min Free cancellation

Lincoln's Missing Conspirator: the John Surratt Saga, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Most Lincoln assassination tours focus on the events of April 14, 1865 and the death of President

Lincoln. This experience follows the investigation that came afterward. Through a carefully

structured narrative, guests follow the evidence surrounding John Surratt—the only major

conspirator who escaped immediate capture following Lincoln’s assassination. The tour combines

crime scene reconstruction, witness testimony, political intrigue, Confederate espionage, and an

international manhunt to create an immersive historical experience. The storytelling style is inspired

by investigative documentaries and true-crime narratives rather than traditional historical lectures.

Guests are not asked to debate the evidence but are encouraged to think like investigators as the

story unfolds.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Crime Tours Additional fees Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: DC Baltimore Tours

Ages: Infants (0–6 years) · Children (7–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–54 years) · Seniors (55–105 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Lunch: meals are paid for by the customer
Not included: Bottled water

Itinerary

1
DC History Center

10 min
- Introduction to Lincoln’s assassination.
- Overview of the conspirators.
- Introduction of John Surratt.
- Establishment of the central mystery.
- Introduction to the investigation framework.
2
Stop 2

5 min
Mary Surratt’s Boarding House (Wok and Roll)

Conspiracy Headquarters
- Introduction to Mary Surratt.
- Introduction to John Surratt.
- Introduction to Louis Weichmann.
- Booth’s visits to the boarding house.
- The kidnapping plot.
- Early evidence gathered by investigators.
3
Stop 3

5 min
Washington Under Suspicion
- Wartime Washington.
- Civil War-era 7th Street.
- Social and political tensions in the capital.
- The city in the days following the assassination.
- The growing search for conspirators.
4
National Portrait Gallery

20 min
The Victim
- Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.
- The Civil War.
- Why Lincoln became a target.
- The significance of Lincoln’s death
5
Ford's Theatre

10 min
The Crime Scene
- Reconstruction of April 14, 1865.
- Booth’s movements.
- The assassination.
- Witness accounts.
- Immediate investigative response. EXTERIOR ONLY due to NPS closure of Ford's through Aug. 25, 2026
6
Stop 6

15 min
The Death Watch
- Lincoln’s final hours.
- Launch of the manhunt.
- Identification of suspects.
- Arrests and evidence collection.
7
United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center

10 min
The Fugitive
- John Surratt’s escape.
- Confederate Montreal.
- Confederate intelligence networks.
- George N. Sanders.
- Jacob Thompson.
- Europe and the Papal Zouaves.
- Capture and extradition.
Objective: Expand the story from Washington into an international manhunt.
8
The National Archives Museum

15 min
The Trial
- John Surratt’s trial.
- Louis Weichmann’s testimony.
- The prosecution’s evidence.
- Defense arguments.
- Hung jury.
- Historical legacy

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet on staircase outside main door on K Street side.

End point

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Accessibility: This walking tour follows city sidewalks and public streets. Portions of the route include uneven sidewalks, curb cuts, and moderate walking distances. Guests who use walkers or other mobility aids are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this experience is suitable for their needs.