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WASHINGTON - A new audio tour called "The Civil War to Civil Rights," available as a download from the Internet, is taking Washingtonians down the path of the Heritage Trail to learn a lesson on local history.

Narrated by Korva Coleman of National Public Radio and other prominent Washingtonians, Cultural Tourism D.C.'s new audio tour follows D.C. history from the civil war to civil rights. "Really, the history and vibrancy that made D.C. a town and community," said Linda Harper, Cultural Tourism D.C. executive director.

Not just for visitors, the tour was created with locals in mind. The sites along the tour are familiar, but many of the stories are unknown.

High school student Siomara Martinez took the tour. "I actually got to learn about DC which a lot of residents who live here never have."

She said it took her back in time. "I listened and I was shocked by how descriptive they were. They tried to make you feel like you were there," said Martinez.

District leaders hope the tour will attract visitors to downtown. "And they'll need to buy lunch and a trinket or two and that's good for us too," said Karina Ricks, DDOT transportation policy.

Harper says about 30% of D.C. tourists come to see or stay with friends and family. "They want that insiders perspective. So we really want the local person to know about this so they can share it with their friends and family when they come to visit."

The heritage trail can take about 60 to 90 minutes to walk, but you can go at your own pace or even stop and start another day.

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