Edgar Allan Poe once said that the scariest monsters are the ones that hide within our souls. But what about the souls that lurk in the corridors of Congress? The U.S. Capitol, with over 200 years of history, is filled with legends and ghosts. During this time of year, people visit haunted houses in search of a thrill, but in Washington, DC, there is only one truly haunted House (and Senate) on “the Hill.” Let me take you on a journey through the eerie tales of the Capitol as we delve into the Congressional catacombs.
The Capitol Hill has a rich history of folklore that borders on the macabre. One of the most gruesome stories from Congress comes from the southwest portion of the House side of the building. Representative William Taulbee from Kentucky served in Congress in the late 19th century. He had a tumultuous relationship with reporter Charles Kincaid, who wrote an article exposing Taulbee’s personal life. This led to a fatal encounter between the two men near the House chamber, where Kincaid shot Taulbee in the face, leaving a trail of blood down the marble stairwell.
The tragic events of that day left an indelible mark on the Capitol, with Taulbee’s blood permanently staining the staircase where he fell. It is said that Taulbee’s ghost still roams the halls, sometimes tripping members of the Congressional press corps. Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a mysterious encounter near the same staircase while visiting the Capitol, where he witnessed a reporter’s unexpected fall.
The legend of the demon cat is another eerie tale that haunts the Capitol. Capitol Police officers and watchmen claim to have seen a phantom feline prowling the hallways before national emergencies, such as wars and assassinations. Paw prints believed to be from the demon cat are etched into the floor of the Capitol, serving as a reminder of the mysterious entity that lurks within the building.
As you explore the Capitol, you may come across stories of spooky voices, departed workers singing late at night, and even statues that come alive after midnight to debate with each other. The Capitol Rotunda and Statuary Hall are filled with lifelike renderings of historical figures, creating an atmosphere where the past seems to come alive.
The ghosts of the republic continue to haunt the halls of Congress, serving as a reminder of the rich history and legacy that permeates the Capitol. These phantasms are not just spirits from the past, but a representation of American history itself, etched into the walls and corridors of the U.S. Capitol. So, the next time you visit the Capitol, keep an eye out for the whispers of the past and the echoes of history that linger in every corner of this iconic building.
