Which British leader allegedly saw Lincoln's ghost in the White House?
The White House After Dark: Whose spirits linger in the Mansion?

The White House was completed in the 1800s and has served as the home to every US president since. Just imagine the countless people, events, conversations, and even incidents that have taken place there. With six floors and 132 rooms, it's no surprise that the White House has a good dose of paranormal stories. From creepy footsteps and noises to the apparitions of presidential ghosts, the iconic mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is full of supernatural tales that will give you goosebumps!
Image: Tom Fisk / Photo By: Kaboompics.com
Abraham Lincoln
One of the most famous ghosts in the White House is none other than that of Abraham Lincoln. But this is nothing new. Shortly after the president's passing, employees of the Mansion began reporting sightings of a tall, shadowy figure dressed in a black suit. Several First Ladies, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Grace Coolidge, also claimed to have encountered Lincoln's spectral figure.
One of the best stories about his ghost involves a famous statesman from another country: Winston Churchill. During WWII, Churchill visited the White House. The story goes that after a night shower, he encountered Lincoln's ghost standing by the fireplace. Churchill greeted him calmly, saying, "Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage."
Image: Girma Nigusse
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US, was famous for his strong, commanding personality. Perhaps it was this aspect of his character that gave rise to the tales of his loud –some say "angry"– ghost haunting the White House.
Jackson's ghost was said to appear regularly during Theodore Roosevelt's administration. Stories describe his presence as impossible to ignore, with loud footsteps and objects inexplicably falling. Another famous anecdote narrates a dinner party held by President Harry S. Truman at the White House. Many guests allegedly saw Jackson's figure standing in one of the hallways, appearing and disappearing right in front of them.
Image: Peter Oswald
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was not only a Founding Father, the main author of the Declaration of Independence, the 3rd President of the United States, and the man behind the Louisiana Purchase. He was also a skilled violinist.
As a polymath, Jefferson was a wise, educated man with many talents. He played several instruments, but his favorite was the violin. Over the years, several stories have emerged about staff members and even other presidents hearing the haunting sound of a violin, seemingly coming from the Yellow Oval Room.
Image: Dominik Scythe
Dolley Madison and the Rose Garden
But paranormal stories aren't just about presidents; First Ladies also star in similar anecdotes.
One such tale is about Dolley Madison, First Lady to James Madison, who lived in the White House from 1809 to 1817 during his two terms. Dolley Madison was known to spend long hours in the gardens during her time at the House, particularly in the Rose Garden, which she loved. After her passing in 1849, many reported seeing a ghostly figure in the Rose Garden, hearing a woman's voice, or feeling as if they were being watched.
Image: KaLisa Veer
Abigail Adams
John Adams was the first president to ever live in the White House. He was there with his wife, Abigail Adams, during the last year of his term (1800-1801).
After Abigail's passing, many people working in the White House reported sightings of her ghost in the East Room, where she was said to hang laundry. Even today, some staff members claim to smell wet laundry near that room.
Image: Hugo
John Tyler
Another of the haunted rooms in the White House is the Blue Room, apparently visited by the ghost of President John Tyler.
Tyler married his second wife, Julia Gardiner, in 1844 while still in office. As the story goes, the president had proposed to Julia on several occasions before she finally said yes. Over the years, reports emerged about the Blue Room of the White House, where it is suggested that footsteps are heard, and a man's voice seemingly declaring love or proposing marriage.
Image: Madara
David Burnes
The White House has stood at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since 1800. But before that, the land it occupies belonged to someone else.
David Burnes was one of the original landowners, living there before the government purchased it. Legend has it that he wasn't totally pleased with the sale of his land. After his death, several residents –including Abigail Adams– reportedly saw a figure resembling Burnes walking near the house, often watching it from a distance.
Image: Vihan Dalal
William Henry Harrison
It seems ghosts might be lurking in every corner of the White House. As we've seen, several rooms and even the gardens have been the setting for various paranormal tales. But that's not all: The attic holds its secrets, too.
This story involves William Henry Harrison, the 9th president of the US and the first to pass away during his time in the White House. It's said that his spirit now haunts the attic of the mansion, where footsteps and a wailing voice can be heard at times.
Image: Peter Herrmann
The Thing
Legend has it that a mysterious entity has been haunting the White House for some time, one not tied to any known historical figure.
Several members of the White House staff have reported strange experiences attributed to "the Thing." That's the name given to this presence that makes those nearby feel as if they are being watched. But here's the creepiest part: Several employees reported feeling pressure on their shoulders as if someone was lightly leaning on them.
Image: Steinar Engeland
The Demon Cat
Now, it's time for a ghost that doesn't take human form. It's the well-known "Demon cat" (or "DC"), a spectral black cat said to haunt several government buildings in Washington, DC.
According to legend, cats were brought to the city to control the rat population in the 19th century. But one of those cats never left. It's now a ghost haunting landmarks like the White House and the US Capitol. Some people say the ghostly cat appears small at first but grows to a creepy large size as it approaches. Some even describe it as reaching the size of a "huge tiger."
Image: Abdu Rahman