Petersen House

Washington, D.C., US

Petersen House
Petersen House
Location
Washington, D.C., US
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
38.896667, -77.025833
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.
Opening hours
09:30-16:45

Overview

The Petersen House, located at 516 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C., stands as a somber yet significant landmark in American history. Known primarily as the site where President Abraham Lincoln passed away on April 15, 1865, following his assassination at the nearby Ford’s Theatre, this modest boarding house offers visitors a poignant look into the immediate aftermath of one of the nation’s most transformative events. When planning your trip ideas for exploring the capital, this site provides a grounded, historical perspective on the 19th-century urban life of Washington. Visitors can expect to tour the preserved rooms of the house, which have been restored to reflect their appearance at the time of the tragedy. The structure itself remains a testament to the period architecture of the mid-1800s. As you consider what to do in the area, the Petersen House serves as an essential stop for those interested in the Civil War era and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The site is managed by the National Park Service, ensuring that the historical integrity of the residence is maintained for public education. Guests typically spend time viewing the parlor and the small back bedroom where the President was laid to rest, allowing for a quiet moment of reflection on the events that shook the young nation. It is a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand the human scale of American political history.

General information

The Petersen House, located at 516 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C., stands as a somber yet significant landmark in American history. Known primarily as the site where President Abraham Lincoln passed away on April 15, 1865, following his assassination at the nearby Ford’s Theatre, this modest boarding house offers visitors a poignant look into the immediate aftermath of one of the nation’s most transformative events. When planning your trip ideas for exploring the capital, this site provides a grounded, historical perspective on the 19th-century urban life of Washington. Visitors can expect to tour the preserved rooms of the house, which have been restored to reflect their appearance at the time of the tragedy. The structure itself remains a testament to the period architecture of the mid-1800s. As you consider what to do in the area, the Petersen House serves as an essential stop for those interested in the Civil War era and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The site is managed by the National Park Service, ensuring that the historical integrity of the residence is maintained for public education. Guests typically spend time viewing the parlor and the small back bedroom where the President was laid to rest, allowing for a quiet moment of reflection on the events that shook the young nation. It is a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand the human scale of American political history.

Did you know

  • The house was built in 1849 by William Petersen, a German tailor.
  • President Lincoln was carried to this house because the bed at Ford's Theatre was deemed too small for his frame.
  • The house was purchased by the U.S. government in 1896 for $30,000 to preserve it as a historic site.

History

The Petersen House was constructed in 1849 as a private residence and boarding house. Its place in history was cemented on the night of April 14, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln was transported there after being shot at Ford's Theatre across the street. Because the theatre's bed was unsuitable for the mortally wounded President, he was taken to the Petersen family's boarding house. He was placed in a small bedroom on the first floor, where he remained until his death the following morning. The house was later acquired by the federal government in the late 19th century to prevent its demolition and ensure its preservation as a national historic site.

Cultural significance

The Petersen House functions as a shrine to the memory of Abraham Lincoln and the profound grief experienced by the American public in 1865. It represents the intersection of private life and public tragedy, showing how an ordinary middle-class home became the center of national mourning. Culturally, the site emphasizes the fragility of leadership and the gravity of the Civil War’s conclusion. By maintaining the house as it appeared during the 19th century, the National Park Service allows visitors to bridge the gap between abstract historical facts and the tangible reality of the President's final hours, reinforcing the site's role in American collective memory.

Geography and landscape

The Petersen House is situated in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., on 10th Street NW. It is located directly across from Ford’s Theatre, occupying a narrow urban lot typical of the mid-19th-century residential development in the city. The surrounding neighborhood is a bustling commercial and tourist district, characterized by historic brick facades and proximity to major cultural institutions. The landscape is entirely urban, with the house integrated into a dense block of buildings. The immediate environment provides a stark contrast between the vibrant, modern city life of today and the solemn, preserved interior of the historic boarding house.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch
  • Imported from Wikidata

Nearby attractions