Washington was a city of about 61,000 people at the outbreak of the war and not exactly a garden spot. Plagued by heat and humidity during the summer, the city became almost unlivable due, in part, to the “70 distinct stinks” coming from a sewage canal that ran near the current location of the National Mall. Abraham Lincoln spent most of his summer time at the Soldier's Home north of the city (about a mile from Fort Stevens).

Dozens of Civil War era buildings and statues to war heroes remain in the city. Exhibits at the Museum of American History, the National Archives and the Library of Congress contain Civil War material.

A couple of good Civil War Washington guide books have been printed. For example, see Mr. Lincoln's City by Richard M. Lee published by EPM publications.

Ford's Theatre and the Peterson Boarding House
511 10th St NW, Washington DC 20004-1402
www.nps.gov/foth, 202-426-6841
 Road map 
Note: Theater is closed for rennovation until February 2009. The Peterson House remains open.
   President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre April 14, 1865. He died early the next day at the Peterson House across the street. The theater, still active, has been restored and is open for self-guided tours.

National Park Service ranger talks are scheduled at 15 minutes past the hour between 9 am and 5 pm. A museum contains artifacts relating to assassination. Watch out for large groups of school kids in the mornings during the spring and early summer. Waits can last up to an hour. Theater is sometimes closed for matinee performances and rehearsals, most often on Thursdays and Sundays. Museum continues open during those times. Call first. The Peterson House is directly across the street from the theater. See restored rooms where Mary Lincoln waited, the cabinet met and Lincoln died. This tour goes quickly and is self-guided. All free. Open 9 am–5 pm.

Civil War Tour
www.culturaltourismdc.org
A good roundup of Washington historical resources, including Civil War sites, programs and events. For a suggested tour and a map of District Civil War sites, click on "Tours and Trails," then "Civil War."

Fort Stevens
In Rock Creek Park, just west of Georgia Avenue
on Quackenbos Street NW
www.nps.gov/rocr, 202-895-6070
 Road map 
   President Abraham Lincoln risked life and limb to view the skirmishing here July 12, 1864, as Confederate Gen. Jubal Early approached Washington from the north. The Confederates never threatened seriously but shook things up a little. The fort is partially preserved and interpreted.
     From the city, take Seventh Street north; it turns into Georgia Avenue. Look for the radio towers, the fort is just to the left behind Emory Methodist Church.
     From I-495 take Georgia Avenue south. Less than a mile north of the fort is the tiny but interesting Battleground Cemetery.

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home
Entrance at Rock Creek Church Road NW and Upshur Street NW, Washington DC 20011
www.lincolncottage.org, 202-829-0436
 Road map 
   Lincoln and his family escaped the heat of the city and the White House, taking up residence here summers 1862–1864. It was hardly a retreat for the President, though, as he continued to shoulder the burdens of the war a personal grief here. A visitor center with interactive displays and exhibits of Lincoln items introduces the site. Visitor center open 9:30 am–6 pm April–October. Closes at 4:30 pm other months. Tours begin on the hour 10 am–4 pm Monday–Saturday and noon–4 pm Sunday (April-October). Last tour begins at 3 pm other months. $12/adult (online ticket purchase recommended).

National Museum of Health & Medicine
6900 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20307-0004
(Walter Reed Hospital Building 54)
nmhm.washingtondc.museum, 202-782-2200
 Road map 
    Excellent Civil War exhibit, "To Bind up the Nation's Wounds: Medicine During the Civil War," includes photographs, artifacts and much more. Some unusual items here including Gen. Daniel Sickles's leg bones (lost at Gettysburg) and the bullet that killed Lincoln. Docent-led tours at 1 pm on the second and fourth Saturdays. Open daily except Christmas 10 am-5:30 pm. Free.

The African American Civil War Museum
1200 U Street NW, Washington DC 20009
www.afroamcivilwar.org, 202-667-2667
 Road map 
   Photographs, documents, artifacts and interactive presentations describe the story of the United States Colored Troops. Program helps trace descendents of the black soldiers. Memorial lists the more than 200,000 USCT who served in the Civil War. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am–2 pm.