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The White House, steeped in over 200 years of history, has been the scene of countless pivotal moments, joy, sorrow, and even death. With such a rich and often tumultuous past, it’s perhaps no surprise that many people believe the iconic residence is home to lingering spirits and unexplained phenomena. Staff, residents, and even world leaders have reported eerie occurrences within its walls.
Lincoln’s Presence in the Lincoln Bedroom
Perhaps the most famous White House ghost, Abraham Lincoln, has been sighted by numerous occupants. First Lady Grace Coolidge, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, and Winston Churchill are among those who claimed to have seen his tall, somber figure, often in the Lincoln Bedroom or looking out windows.
Churchill’s Naked Encounter with Lincoln
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously recounted emerging from a hot bath in the Lincoln Bedroom, cigar in hand, only to find a ghostly Abraham Lincoln standing by the fireplace. Churchill reportedly quipped, “Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage.”
Abigail Adams’ Laundry Duty
The ghost of Abigail Adams, the first First Lady to live in the White House, is said to haunt the East Room. Staff members have reported seeing her spectral figure, arms outstretched as if carrying laundry, and smelling the scent of wet laundry and lavender. She famously used the East Room to hang her washing.
Andrew Jackson’s Guttural Laugh
President Andrew Jackson’s spirit is reportedly very active, particularly in the Queen’s Bedroom, formerly the Rose Room, where his old bed once stood. Accounts describe a deep, guttural laugh emanating from the room, and Mary Todd Lincoln claimed to have heard him stomping and swearing.
Mary Todd Lincoln’s Seances
After the tragic death of her son Willie in the White House, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, deeply grieving, held numerous séances in the Red Room, attempting to communicate with his spirit and other deceased family members. These were often attended by the president himself.
Willie Lincoln’s Playful Spirit
Willie Lincoln, who died in the White House at age 11, has also been reportedly seen by various staff members throughout the years, including during the Grant administration and even as recently as by Lynda Johnson, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughter, in the 1960s.
The Thing of the Taft Era
During President William Howard Taft’s presidency, staff were reportedly terrified by an unseen entity known only as “The Thing.” Major Archibald Butt, Taft’s military aide, wrote about a sensation of pressure on the shoulder, as if someone was leaning over you, and one maid claimed to have seen a boy of about 15 with unkempt hair and sad blue eyes.
Thomas Jefferson’s Violin Music
The ghost of Thomas Jefferson is said to haunt the Yellow Oval Room, where reports describe the disembodied sound of a violin playing. Mary Todd Lincoln even claimed to have seen his apparition playing his instrument there.
Dolley Madison Protecting Her Roses
Dolley Madison, beloved First Lady and wife of James Madison, is believed to have protected the White House Rose Garden. Staff attempting to relocate it reportedly encountered her angry apparition, preventing them from digging up her cherished flowers.
Anna Surratt’s Pleading Knocks
The daughter of Mary Surratt, who was executed for her alleged role in Lincoln’s assassination conspiracy, Anna Surratt, is said to haunt the White House entrance. She reportedly knocked frantically, pleading with President Andrew Johnson for her mother’s pardon, which was denied.
Mysterious Music in the Bush Daughters’ Room
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of President George W. Bush, recounted a chilling experience with her sister Barbara. While sleeping in their White House bedroom, they heard 1920s piano music emanating from their fireplace. They initially blamed the cat until they realized the piano keys were covered.
Michelle Obama’s Unexplained Sounds
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has publicly shared that she and President Barack Obama experienced unexplained occurrences, including strange sounds in the hallway of the residence in the middle of the night that compelled them to investigate. She also mentioned family members feeling something chewing or gnawing at their feet.
Rex the Dog’s Refusal of the Lincoln Bedroom
President Ronald Reagan’s dog, Rex, reportedly had a strong aversion to the Lincoln Bedroom. According to Reagan, Rex would often bark frantically at the entrance and then refuse to enter the room, suggesting he sensed an unseen presence.
The Ghost of David Burns
David Burns, the original owner of much of the land on which the White House was built, is believed to haunt the Yellow Oval Room. His disembodied voice has reportedly been heard in the room, saying, “I’m Mr. Burns.”
Harry Truman’s Midnight Encounters
President Harry S. Truman wrote letters to his wife, describing eerie experiences in the White House. He famously mentioned hearing ghosts walking up and down the hallway, and even right into his room, sometimes speculating it was Andrew Jackson.
The President’s Unseen Wardens
The White House, more than just a famous building, seems to be a stage for spooky events, a quiet witness to the lives and deaths tied to its very foundation. These chilling stories, from Lincoln’s ghost to the strange things felt by the Bush daughters, make us wonder. Could these just be regular hauntings, or something more?