An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.
Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

History on Foot

Investigation: Detective McDevitt

A walking tour that brings history to life!

90 minutes
Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Accessible

On the night of April 14, 1865, Detective James McDevitt was on duty at the Washington Metropolitan Police headquarters, a half-block from Ford’s Theatre. Just before 10:30 p.m., frantic witnesses rushed in with horrifying news: President Lincoln had been shot at the theatre. Join Detective McDevitt as he revisits the sites and reexamines the clues from the investigation into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy. Part of History on Foot.

The distance walked is approximately 1.6 miles from Ford’s Theatre to the White House. Wear comfortable shoes.

This walking tour of downtown Washington, D.C., makes eight stops. It does not include entrance into Ford’s Theatre. 

Tickets – Fall 2024

Artistic Team

Writer
Richard Hellesen

Director
Mark Ramont

Related Events and Performances

A classroom full of students. They are looking at a projection of an actor portraying Detective James McDevitt.
Photo courtesy Craig Segall.

Virtual Investigation: Detective McDevitt

Can’t come to Washington, D.C.? Let Detective McDevitt come to you! You and your group can now experience our Investigation: Detective McDevitt tour online. This program is available for Grades 3 and up and lasts 60 minutes. $100 per session.

Learn More
Detective McDevitt standing in an alley with brick buildings in the background holding a white 4 by 6 photo of John Wilkes Booth.
Photo by Niew Bharyaguntra.

Private History on Foot Tours

Private tours of Investigation: Detective McDevitt are available by request and based on availability. There is a flat fee of $725 for a private tour for a group of two to 30 people. Full payment is due at the time of tour confirmation. To facilitate scheduling your tour, please be prepared to provide your first, second and third choice of dates and times, the number of people, and a very brief description of your group. We will make every effort to accommodate you. To arrange a private tour, call (800) 899-2367 or email the Group Sales office at [email protected].

Watch Trailer

From the Gallery

An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall.

Eric Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

An actor dressed as Detective James McDevitt and wearing a microphone addresses a group of tour attendees on the steps of Ford’s Theatre.

Chris Stinson as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour Investigation: Detective James McDevitt. Photo by Damon Bowe Photography.

Photograph of a man in a grey suit and bowler hat holding a black and white photograph of John Wilkes Booth.

Photo of William Diggle as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

A man in a 19th century suit with a bag over his shoulder and wearing a microphone stands in front of a pair of wooden doors and speaks while pointing.

Michael Feldsher as Detective James McDevitt in Investigation: Detective McDevitt, one of the History on Foot walking tours offered by Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Mark Ramont.

An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.

Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

A diverse group of tour attendees pose on the steps of Ford’s Theatre with an actor dressed as Detective James McDevitt.

Patrons pose with Chris Stinson as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour Investigation: Detective James McDevitt. Photo by Damon Bowe Photography.

Two young women attending the “History on Foot” walking tour “Investigation: Detective McDevitt” pose for the camera. They are dressed for summer and both wear stick-on deputy badges.

Two attendees of the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour Investigation: Detective James McDevitt. Photo by Damon Bowe Photography.

An actor dressed as Detective James McDevitt and wearing a microphone addresses a group of tour attendees on the steps of Ford’s Theatre.

Chris Stinson as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour “Investigation: Detective James McDevitt.” Photo by Damon Bowe Photography.

An actor dressed as Detective James McDevitt and wearing a microphone addresses a group of tour attendees on the steps of Ford’s Theatre.

Chris Stinson as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour “Investigation: Detective James McDevitt.” Photo by Damon Bowe Photography.

Reviews

A fun way for Washingtonians to explore their city through the lens of history."
– Roll Call
"This tour was amazing! I could almost feel like a young detective solving Lincoln's murder. It gave us a hands-on experience that we thoroughly enjoyed."
– Patron Anna B.
"This is a great tour! It's a close look at the Lincoln assassination, with details on the overall conspiracy that don't get covered in U.S. history classes. It's also a nice, easy walk and a way to see the city from a totally different perspective. Fun for all ages. "
– Patron Ann Marie G.
"The history under our feet becomes very apparent when you do a walking tour. I highly recommend it. #HistoryonFoot"
– @HistoriErin

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