United States Capitol reported apparitions

The United States Capitol at First Street SE is the seat of the U.S. Congress and the location of many traumatic historical events, including the 1814 burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812 and the 2021 attack on January 6. Over decades, staff, police, and visitors have reported anecdotal sightings and unexplained sounds within the Capitol complex, accounts commonly recounted in books and local tours. These reports are part of Capitol lore and are debated; they remain anecdotal rather than scientifically verified.