Edgar Allan Poe once wrote that the scariest monsters reside within our own souls, but what about the souls that lurk in the halls of Congress? The U.S. Capitol, with its more than 200-year-old history, is the perfect breeding ground for legends and ghosts. These tales come to life especially during Halloween when pop-up haunted houses on “the Hill” draw in crowds. But when it comes to Washington, DC, there is only one truly haunted House and Senate on Capitol Hill. These stories of the macabre delve into the Congressional catacombs, revealing the darker side of the Capitol.
One of the most grotesque stories in Congress centers around the steps of the southwest portion of the Capitol on the House side. This story dates back to the late 19th century when Congressman William Taulbee of Kentucky was shot in the face by a journalist he had a conflict with. Taulbee passed away the following day, leaving behind a trail of blood stains that covered the staircase from the second floor to the first. These markings are said to permanently stain the Capitol, acting as a constant reminder of the incident that occurred within its walls.
Despite his passing, Taulbee’s spirit is believed to still linger within the Capitol, causing misfortune to certain individuals, especially members of the Congressional press corps. In a more recent encounter with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a reporter found himself unexpectedly tripping in front of Trudeau on a staircase near the scene of Taulbee’s demise. This incident adds to the lore surrounding the haunting presence of Taulbee, as it seems his spirit still seeks vengeance against those he held grudges against in life.
While the tale of Taulbee’s haunting is chilling, it pales in comparison to the legend of the demon cat that is believed to roam the halls of the Capitol. Capitol Police officers and 19th-century watchmen have reported sightings of a spectral feline prowling the building before national emergencies, such as wars and assassinations. The demon cat’s presence is said to signal impending crises, yet it was notably absent before major events like 9/11 and the 2021 Capitol riot, leaving its true nature shrouded in mystery.
In the bowels of the Capitol lies a more tangible clue to the demon cat’s existence – paw prints etched into the floor near the Old Supreme Court chamber in the Senate side. These prints are said to be evidence of the demon cat’s presence and serve as a reminder of the haunting legacy that permeates the Capitol. Additionally, a mysterious set of initials “DC” scrawled into the concrete in a Senate stairwell further fuels the speculation surrounding the demon cat’s connection to the building and the events that transpire within its walls.
The Capitol is a treasure trove of ghost stories and eerie encounters, with tales of spectral voices, singing workers, and animated statues that come to life after midnight. These stories add to the ambiance of the Capitol, creating an atmosphere that is both historic and haunted. As visitors wander through the halls, they may catch glimpses of ghostly figures from the past, such as Abraham Lincoln or Lyndon Johnson, who seem to linger in the shadows, reminding all who enter of the rich tapestry of American history that is woven into the very fabric of the Capitol.
