Spirits Abound at the Tennessee State Capitol Building

Posted: 01.17.2025 | Updated: 01.17.2025

The Tennessee State Capitol is a majestic structure. Its rows of imposing Greek columns draw the eye upwards to the roof, the top of which is graced by a tower rather than a dome. Both its walls and columns are fabricated from local limestone, symbolizing the building’s timelessness.

The building has endured much history in this Tennessee capital, living through the Civil War and decades of state politics. Within its massive limestone walls, assembled by the hands of slaves and convicts, lie more than one man’s remains. Perhaps it’s due to the unique structure of this building that so many spirits linger within its walls.

Come and unearth the lengthy history entombed within this monumental state building and learn of its unearthly occupants. Are you itching for more tales of the Music City’s ghostly residents? Book yourself one of our Nashville Ghost Tours to discover all this energetic city has to offer. 

Who Is Buried in the Tennessee State Capitol Building?

There exist not one but two men buried within the walls of the Tennessee Capitol building, both of whom were integral to the 14-year-long construction of the building.

William Strickland, architect of the Tennessee Capitol, is buried in the north wall. Meanwhile, his rival, former Capitol Committee Chairman Samuel Morgan, lies buried in the south wall.

But that’s not all this magnificent property has to boast on the subject of skeletons. Even more bodies are buried on the grounds, including that of the 11th president and his wife, found in the East Garden. 

Constructing The Limestone Tennesee State Capitol

The Tennessee State Capitol remains one of the oldest state capitol buildings still in use in America. Construction on the grand Greek Revival monument began in 1845 and was completed in 1859. The cornerstone of this renowned structure was laid on Independence Day, 1845.

The limestone slabs marking the building were cut from the neighboring quarry. Nashville’s first paved road had to be constructed just to heave it up the hill to the premises.

Much of the massive stonework that now stands as a fundamental feature in the historic property was completed by slaves and convicts. 

Designed by prominent architect William Strickland, who died during its long construction, the impressive structure holds much of his spirit within its design—more than his spirit, in fact. His bones themselves lie within the walls. 

After Strickland died in 1854, his body was buried in the Capitol’s north facade. But he’s not the only one interred on the grounds. The tomb of President James K. Polk and his wife also lie on the property.

Visitors can see many statues honoring distinguished historic figures sprinkled about the grounds. Statues of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President, and Andrew Jackson, the 7th President, can be found among others, like Sam Davis, the “Boy Hero of the Confederacy,” and WWI hero Sgt. Alvin York. 

In 1970, the Tennessee Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark a year later.

Today, the Capitol accommodates the governor’s office and the Tennessee General Assembly. It remains one of just a dozen state capitols without a dome to mark it. 

Presidential Ghosts and Former First Ladies

Many specters are rumored to haunt Nashville’s Capitol. Employees of the State Capitol have described the visage of a woman garbed in evening wear from the antebellum era.

She has been seen casually ambling the property as if without a care in the world and is sometimes sighted walking about the tower. 

Observers guess this might be Rachel Jackson, the wife of President Jackson, who died soon after he was elected President. Strangely, however, Rachel Jackson died in 1828, decades before construction on the Capitol even began.

Another spirit reported to haunt this stunning property is that of the unfortunate James Polk. Elected as the 11th president, Polk intended to return home to Nashville after completing his duties.

Yet, extensive traveling furthered with the exhaustive years spent in public service left him vulnerable, and his health consequently suffered.

James Polk would die of cholera before making it home. His manner of death made his body unable to be laid to rest in a public cemetery for fear of spreading the disease. Instead, he was buried on the state Capitol grounds where he once served as Governor of Tennessee. 

Years later, his wife, Sarah Polk, was buried next to him. Some who have seen Polk’s grave have claimed to see a male figure kneeling there. Several believe this may be James Polk himself overseeing his resting place. 

Many have also encountered ghostly activity within the building. Employees have heard strange voices and odd sounds in the Capitol, especially in the library. 

Some have spied a dark apparition, thought to be the spirit of a Confederate soldier, at the top of the spiral staircase or claimed to have been pushed by the menacing presence.

A Feud That Extends Into The Afterlife

One of the most famed ghostly occurrences of the Tennessee Capitol is that of two men’s eternal quarreling. Strickland was quite the name when he was chosen to design the Capitol building in 1845. He’d been a pupil of Benjamin Latrobe, the man who’d conceived the U.S. Capitol building.

Strickland relocated from Philadelphia to Nashville for the job, unaware he’d never leave. Ever mindful of the budget, the Tennessee Legislature hired Samuel Morgan to supervise the undertaking, appointing him to the commission responsible for planning the new building. 

Morgan was a key element in selecting Strickland; however, he would come to regret this decision. 

Nearly as soon as Strickland’s feet hit Tennessee soil, friction between the men ensued. For years, a battle of wills raged between the two.

Morgan and Strickland disliked one another so intensely that they could be frequently heard yelling at each other over design and budgeting issues surrounding the Capitol. 

When Strickland died in 1854, amidst construction, he was interred in a vault within the limestone structure of the northeastern corner of the Capitol building. Morgan lived another few decades, seeing the Civil War through and dying in 1880.

Morgan’s remains were then interred in the southeastern corner of the Tennessee Capitol building so the two could remain on opposing sides even in the afterlife. Reports continue to be made of their verbal sparring. As stories say, you can hear the two arguing when the breeze blows within the building just the right way.

Legend has it that these argumentative ghosts often begin around 9 p.m. Local police have been called to search the area, overhearing the bickering themselves. Yet when they enter the building, they find it devoid—at least of the living. 

Haunted Nashville

There is certainly no shortage of spirits haunting Nashville’s historic Capitol building. Whether you’re looking for ghostly ladies, Confederate soldiers, or even a former President, witnesses have claimed to find them here. The Tennessee State Museum offers guided tours of the Tennessee State Capitol building during the week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

For more spectral stories and local hauntings, continue reading on our blog, and be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook to stay current on all our spooky content. Looking for one of the city’s spookiest Nashville tours? To hear more tales of the undead in person, come and join one of our Nashville Ghost Tours. 

Sources:

• https://www.tn.gov/museum/exhibitions/tennessee-state-capitol.html
• https://www.wkrn.com/tennessee-225/little-known-facts-about-the-tennessee-state-capitol
• https://tnmuseum.org/state-capitol
• https://www.clthomas.org/post/the-hauntings-of-the-tennessee-state-capitol
• https://thehermitage.com/rachel-jackson
• https://www.wkrn.com/special-reports/haunted-tennessee/creepy-tales-from-tennessees-capitol-read-on-if-you-dare
• https://www.cannoncourier.com/scary-stories-abound-on-capitol-grounds-cms-14439