The U.S. Capitol is a building steeped in history, with legends and ghosts that haunt its halls. Tales of the macabre abound within the Congressional catacombs, with stories of former lawmakers and journalists who met untimely ends. One such story involves Rep. William Taulbee, who was shot by a reporter after a scandalous article was published about him. Taulbee’s blood still stains the marble staircase where he fell, and it is said that he sometimes trips members of the press corps to this day.
Another haunting legend within the Capitol is that of the demon cat, said to appear before national emergencies such as wars and assassinations. Capitol Police officers and watchmen have reported sightings of the spectral feline prowling the hallways, though it has not been seen before recent significant events like 9/11 or the 2021 Capitol riot. The demon cat is said to have left paw prints etched into the floor of the “mini” Rotunda on the Senate side, near the Old Supreme Court chamber.
In addition to these specific tales, the Capitol is said to be filled with spooky voices, departed workers singing late at night, and even statues that come alive after midnight to debate with one another. The Rotunda and Statuary Hall are filled with lifelike renderings of statesmen and heroes, lending an atmosphere of Americana and history to the building. The ghosts of the republic, in the form of these statues and historical figures, haunt the halls of Congress alongside the more supernatural apparitions.
Sometimes, the spirits that linger in the Capitol are not ghosts at all, but memories of past events and figures from American history. Images of Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson are said to still be present in the building, as if their spirits linger on to watch over the proceedings that take place in the hallowed halls of Congress. The stories and legends that surround the Capitol serve to remind visitors and lawmakers alike of the rich history and legacy that is contained within its walls, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and reverent.
