The United States Capitol — phantom legislators in the halls of power

The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is considered one of the most haunted buildings in the capital. With over 230 years of history, the building has witnessed the deaths of several individuals within its walls and has been the site of intense political drama that some believe has left an emotional residue. The most famous Capitol ghost is that of a stonemason who was killed during the building's construction in the early 1800s — his ghost is said to appear in the basement corridors carrying his tools. John Quincy Adams, who died in the Speaker's Lobby after suffering a stroke on the House floor in 1848, is said to be heard giving speeches in the empty chamber. Security guards have reported seeing the ghost of a soldier from the War of 1812 walking the halls near the rotunda, where the building was used as a barracks and hospital. The Capitol's crypt — which was designed to hold George Washington's remains but never did — is associated with cold spots and the sensation of being watched. The Statuary Hall, where the House of Representatives once met, produces reports of whispered conversations and the sound of gavels striking. Capitol Police officers have contributed numerous accounts over the years, and the building's haunted reputation is well-known among congressional staff.