Folklore & Haunted Locations Guide:
Washington, D.C.
Est. July 9, 1790
Population: 672,228 (2015)
Haunted Locations Documented: 37
Haunted Locations Indexed: 41
Population: 672,228 (2015)
Haunted Locations Documented: 37
Haunted Locations Indexed: 41
Blair House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Blair House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1824 as a private residence, and is said to be haunted by the apparition of former president Woodrow Wilson. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Catholic University Of America
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Caldwell Hall at the Catholic University Of America in Washington, D.C. is said to be haunted by the apparition of a priest who fell from the attic window to his death. Mysterious lights and apparitions are seen in the attic. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Congressional Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1807, and is sometimes also referred to as the Washington Parish Burial Ground. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former United States Marine who is allegedly seen and heard playing a sousaphone at night, as well as a number of other unidentified men and women. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia building in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1903 by a wealthy Irish immigrant named Thomas Walsh as the Walsh-McLean Mansion. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a believed to be Thomas Walsh's daughter, Evalyn, who passed away in 1947. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Ford's Theater
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. first opened in 1863, and is notorious as being the location of president Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 15, 1865. Many report hearing the sounds of disembodied footsteps, voices, and even the sounds of a gun being fired. The apparitions of several other apparitions who haunt the location for unknown reasons, and some even claim to encounter the ghost of the late President Lincoln. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Ft. McNair
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The ghost of Mary Sarat, who was executed for participating in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is allegedly seen at Ft. McNair. Building #21 is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of John Wilkes Booth. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Gallaudet University
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Students at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. report witnessing the apparition of a female student who committed suicide on campus, and hearing the disembodied sounds of Revolutionary War soldiers. The Model Secondary School For The Deaf building is also rumored to be haunted. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Halcyon House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Halcyon House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1787 by America's first Secretary Of The Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, as well as several other former owners and unknown apparitions. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Holy Rood Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Holy Rood Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1832, and over the years has fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair. Some claim the location is haunted by the ghosts of the restless men and women who were buried there and forgotten. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Independence Avenue
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Independence Avenue in Washington D.C. is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a number of former slaves who were once traded and put to auction along the historic roadway. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The girls bathroom at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School in Washington, D.C. is said to be haunted by the spirit of an elderly woman. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Lafayette Square
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. was used for a number of purposes during its history, including a cemetery, slave market, and an encampment for soldiers during the War Of 1812. One ghost believed to haunt Lafayette Square is that of a man named Philip Barton Key, who was shot to death by a United States congressman in February of 1859 after it was discovered he was having an affair with the congressman's wife. Lafayette Square is sometimes referred to by the nickname, "Tragedy Square," and is said to be haunted by a number of other unidentified ghosts and apparitions. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Long Bridge / 14th Street Bridges
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Mary E. Surratt Boarding House / Wok & Roll Chinese Restaurant
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Mary E. Surratt Boarding House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1843. After president Abraham Lincoln's assassination in April of 1865 it was discovered that many involved in the conspiracy to commit the assassination had used the boarding house as a meeting place. All were put to trial and executed by hanging, including the boarding house's owner, Mary E. Surratt, who many believe was not involved in the assassination plot and was falsely sentenced to death. Mary's ghost is now said to haunt the location, which now houses the Wok & Roll Chinese Restaurant, and many blame her spirit for an array of other paranormal activity. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
M Street Bridge
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The original wooden bridge on M Street in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1788. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former stagecoach driver who was killed when the bridge collapsed during a large storm. The bridge was rebuilt several times, and is additionally rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who died after being blown off the bridge by a large gust of wind. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1858, and is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghostly apparitions and entities. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
National Museum Of Crime & Punishment
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Oak Hill Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1848. Visitors at the old cemetery report witnessing the apparition of a tall man wearing a top hat, believed to be the late President Abraham Lincoln, whose 11-year-old son is buried there. Many also report witnessing a phantom hearse of unknown origin pulled by six headless horses. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Blair House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1824 as a private residence, and is said to be haunted by the apparition of former president Woodrow Wilson. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Catholic University Of America
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Caldwell Hall at the Catholic University Of America in Washington, D.C. is said to be haunted by the apparition of a priest who fell from the attic window to his death. Mysterious lights and apparitions are seen in the attic. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Congressional Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1807, and is sometimes also referred to as the Washington Parish Burial Ground. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former United States Marine who is allegedly seen and heard playing a sousaphone at night, as well as a number of other unidentified men and women. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia building in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1903 by a wealthy Irish immigrant named Thomas Walsh as the Walsh-McLean Mansion. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a believed to be Thomas Walsh's daughter, Evalyn, who passed away in 1947. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Ford's Theater
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. first opened in 1863, and is notorious as being the location of president Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 15, 1865. Many report hearing the sounds of disembodied footsteps, voices, and even the sounds of a gun being fired. The apparitions of several other apparitions who haunt the location for unknown reasons, and some even claim to encounter the ghost of the late President Lincoln. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Ft. McNair
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The ghost of Mary Sarat, who was executed for participating in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is allegedly seen at Ft. McNair. Building #21 is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of John Wilkes Booth. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Gallaudet University
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Students at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. report witnessing the apparition of a female student who committed suicide on campus, and hearing the disembodied sounds of Revolutionary War soldiers. The Model Secondary School For The Deaf building is also rumored to be haunted. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Halcyon House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Halcyon House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1787 by America's first Secretary Of The Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, as well as several other former owners and unknown apparitions. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Holy Rood Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Holy Rood Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1832, and over the years has fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair. Some claim the location is haunted by the ghosts of the restless men and women who were buried there and forgotten. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Independence Avenue
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Independence Avenue in Washington D.C. is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a number of former slaves who were once traded and put to auction along the historic roadway. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The girls bathroom at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School in Washington, D.C. is said to be haunted by the spirit of an elderly woman. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Lafayette Square
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. was used for a number of purposes during its history, including a cemetery, slave market, and an encampment for soldiers during the War Of 1812. One ghost believed to haunt Lafayette Square is that of a man named Philip Barton Key, who was shot to death by a United States congressman in February of 1859 after it was discovered he was having an affair with the congressman's wife. Lafayette Square is sometimes referred to by the nickname, "Tragedy Square," and is said to be haunted by a number of other unidentified ghosts and apparitions. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Long Bridge / 14th Street Bridges
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Mary E. Surratt Boarding House / Wok & Roll Chinese Restaurant
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Mary E. Surratt Boarding House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1843. After president Abraham Lincoln's assassination in April of 1865 it was discovered that many involved in the conspiracy to commit the assassination had used the boarding house as a meeting place. All were put to trial and executed by hanging, including the boarding house's owner, Mary E. Surratt, who many believe was not involved in the assassination plot and was falsely sentenced to death. Mary's ghost is now said to haunt the location, which now houses the Wok & Roll Chinese Restaurant, and many blame her spirit for an array of other paranormal activity. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
M Street Bridge
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The original wooden bridge on M Street in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1788. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former stagecoach driver who was killed when the bridge collapsed during a large storm. The bridge was rebuilt several times, and is additionally rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who died after being blown off the bridge by a large gust of wind. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1858, and is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghostly apparitions and entities. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
National Museum Of Crime & Punishment
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Oak Hill Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was established in 1848. Visitors at the old cemetery report witnessing the apparition of a tall man wearing a top hat, believed to be the late President Abraham Lincoln, whose 11-year-old son is buried there. Many also report witnessing a phantom hearse of unknown origin pulled by six headless horses. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Old Stone House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Old Stone House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1764, and is known for being the oldest unaltered building in the city. It is said to be haunted by numerous spirits and apparitions who remain at the location for unknown reasons. One spirit, nicknamed "George," is even said to attack visitors by kicking, scratching, or biting at them, and many report feeling as if being followed or watched by an unseen entity. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Rock Creek Cemetery
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1719, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman named Marian Hooper "Clover" Adams, who committed suicide in December of 1885 by drinking a bottle of cyanide. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Rock Creek Park
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Rock Creek Park is a large, 2,000-acre urban park located in Washington, D.C.'s northwestern quadrant. It has been the site of a number of horrific murders over the years due to its seclusion from the rest of the city. Many claim that the park is haunted by the ghosts of the men and women whose bodies were discovered there. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
St. Elizabeth's Hospital
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Disembodied voices and moans are heard in the museum, which once was the main hospital building, and the spirits of those who died from mistreatment and abuse are said to haunt the building. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
St. John's Episcopal Church
Coordinates:
Location Address:
St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1816. According to legend, the location is allegedly haunted by the ghosts of six unidentified men who appear dressed in white robes when the bell atop St. John's tolls to signify the death of a notable person. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Cutts-Madison House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Cutts-Madison House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1819, and is sometimes also referred to simply as the Dolley Madison House. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of former First Lady, Dolley Madison, who lived in the house from 1836 until her death in July of 1849. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Decatur House & Museum
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Decatur House in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1818 by a United States naval officer named Stephen Decatur, and now serves as a museum for tourists. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Stephen Decatur, who was killed in a duel in March of 1820, as well as the ghost of a former African American slave named Charlotte Dupuy. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Hay-Adams Hotel
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1928 over the site of a mansion which once belonged to a former political advisor named Henry Adams, and his wife, Marian Hooper "Clover" Adams. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mrs. Adams, who committed suicide in December of 1885 by drinking a bottle of cyanide. Guests at the hotel often report witnessing the ghost of a woman believed to be the later Mrs. Adams, and experiencing other unexplained paranormal activity such as lights flickering, doors opening and closing by themselves, and hearing the disembodied sounds of a woman crying. Many also note that the apparition of Marian "Clover" Hooper Adams is often accompanied by the scent of walnuts, which has a similar scent to potassium cyanide. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Library Of Congress
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Library Of Congress building in Washington, D.C. was constructed between 1890 and 1897, and is also referred to as the Thomas Jefferson Building. According to legend, the historic location is haunted by the spirit a former librarian who died unexpectedly after hiding a large sum of government bonds in an unknown location. His ghost is believed to remain in order to reveal the secret whereabouts of his hidden treasure to visitors, or according to others, hide it. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Mayflower Hotel
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The National Building Museum
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1887 as the Pension Building, and now displays a number of architecture, design, engineering, and construction related exhibits. Employees working at the building late at night report encountering the ghost of a phantom policeman dressed in a uniform from a bygone era, as well as a man on horseback. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The National Theatre
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The National Theatre in Washington, D.C. was first established in 1835, but was destroyed several times by fire. The current building was constructed in 1923, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former actor who was shot to death by a fellow actor during an argument. According to legend, the man's body was buried beneath the basement floor where the argument occurred, and his ghost now allegedly haunted the theater. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Octagon House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Constructed in 1801, the Octagon House in Washington, D.C. is said to be haunted by the spirit of a pregnant woman who committed suicide by jumping from the balcony. Visitors also report seeing the apparitions of former African American slaves. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1930, and is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former maid named Juliette. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Smithsonian Institution Building
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1855, and is sometimes referred to as the Smithsonian Castle. It is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of a number of former scientists and scholars who once used the building for its various laboratories and research rooms. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The White House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The White House was constructed between 1792 and 1800. It is said to be haunted by the ghosts, including a number of former presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Willard InterContinental Hotel
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. was established in 1818. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of former United States President, Ulysses S. Grant, who often spent time at the hotel, and whose spectral form is allegedly seen in the lobby smoking a cigar. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
The Woodrow Wilson House
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C. was built in 1915, and is said to be haunted by the spirit of former United States President, Woodrow Wilson, who passed away on the building's 3rd Floor in 1924. Many report witnessing the ghost of a man in a wheelchair or walking with a cane, believed to be the late President Wilson. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Trinity Washington University
Coordinates:
Location Address:
Established in 1897, Trinity Washington University is a private Catholic university located in Washington, D.C. The 5th Floor of Kerby Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of a female student who died in the late 1960's. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
United States Capitol Building
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. was constructed in 1800, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of former President, John Quincy Adams, who died of a stroke while speaking in front of the House Of Representatives in February of 1848. The apparition of a former Civil War soldier is also allegedly seen, as well as the ghost of a former congressman named William Preston Taulbee, who was shot to death on the building's front steps in 1890. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
United States Department Of The Treasury Annex
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The U.S. Department Of The Treasury Annex in Washington, D.C. was constructed during the late 1910's. The building's 2nd Floor is said to be haunted by the spirit of an unidentified woman in a long, white dress. Many also report hearing the sounds of disembodied voices and footsteps. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
Washington D.C. Marine Barracks
Coordinates:
Location Address:
The Washington D.C. Marine Barracks was constructed in 1801, and is one of the only buildings in Washington that wasn't destroyed by British soldiers during the War Of 1812. Marines stationed at the barracks often report witnessing apparitions, and experiencing other unexplained paranormal phenomena such as lights turning on and off by themselves. Many also claim that the parking garage for the barracks is haunted by the ghost of a young child who was hit by a car. Additional research for this allegedly haunted location is currently in progress.
User Comments & Submissions
Leave a comment or submit your own ghost stories, pictures, and videos below!! Please read this Disclaimer before posting.