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Learn about the dark side of Washington, D.C., as you drink your way through our nation’s capital. If that sounds like fun, then we have the perfect tour for you.
Founded on July 16, 1790, Washington has a unique and historical place among American cities. Most cities have ghosts, but in the nation’s capital, their apparitions have many names that we all know.
The Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl will take you to historic haunts and ghostly pubs. On this 2 ½ hour walking tour, your guide will tell you about Washington’s past and its people, from Presidents to Congressmen to ghostly spirits. Along the way, you’ll stop at four haunted pubs and can have a cocktail or mocktail at each (own expense).
Lafayette Square
You’ll go to Lafayette Square. Located behind the White House, locals have called it “Tragedy Square” as so many turbulent events have occurred on these seven acres. In 1859, a Congressman and notorious womanizer, David Sickles shot and killed Philip Scott Key, son of Francis Scott Key, for having an affair with his wife.
Since then, there have been numerous sightings of Key’s apparition in Lafayette Square near where he was shot. David Sickles lost a leg in the Civil War. There have been multiple sightings of an apparition limping through Lafayette Square at night.
White House
President Harry Truman once described the White House as being “haunted, sure as shootin.’ ” Listen to stories of America’s most famous ghost, Abraham Lincoln and how many families and people have seen his apparition. Hear stories of other spirits including Dolly Madison, Thomas Jefferson playing the violin, Willie Lincoln, Abigail Adams, Andrew Jackson cursing, a British soldier from the War of 1812 and more.
Blair House
Blair House has a dark history of an assassination attempt and apparitions.
While the White House was being renovated, President Truman moved into Blair House. On November 1, 1950, an assassination attempt took place in front of Blair House with hundreds of onlookers. The assailants tried to shoot their way into the house. One of the security officers killed the would be assassin with one shot, saving the President’s life and losing his own. There is a plaque to that officer in front of Blair House honoring him for his brave sacrifice.
Numerous guests at Blair House have reported sightings of unexplained apparitions, including that of President Truman! Many people have reported seeing members of the Blair family. They’re always seen between the hours of 1 am and 3 am and are accompanied by a rancid odor.
Other Tour Highlights
You’ll visit the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel where Henry Clay enjoyed his Mint Juleps after a hard day of legislating. There have been sightings of President Ulysses Grant’s spirit in the bar.
At the Hamilton, you might see the Man in the Green Hat. He was Congress’ go to bootlegger during Prohibition.
Hear about the historical Rhodes Tavern and the reported sightings of Mark Twain’s apparition.
You’ll go to the Occidental Grill where many political deals have been made and several lingering spirits refuse to leave.
Hear tales of the jealous actor who was murdered in the National Theatre and who has been seen repeatedly in the theatre for over 150 years.
You’ll listen to stories of black cats roaming the streets in D.C. Hear tales of attempted assassination, duels, suicides, betrayals, murders and more. Learn about phenomena that have no reasonable explanations. You’ll learn about the history of our nation’s capital in a very interesting way.
Coupon
Are you looking for a way to save money on this tour? Buy your ticket here and you can save $6 versus buying it on another website.