Virginia State Capitol

Stories & Folklore

Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.

The Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond has long been a symbol of political power and historical significance, but it also holds a reputation for being one of the most haunted government buildings in the state. Completed in 1788 and designed by Thomas Jefferson, the structure has witnessed centuries of heated debates, dramatic events, and even tragedy. Many believe that such a long and complex history has left behind more than just documents and monuments—some believe spirits still linger within its halls.

One of the most frequently told ghost stories connected to the capitol involves the tragic floor collapse of 1870. On April 27 of that year, during a crowded court hearing about a disputed mayoral election, the courtroom floor on the second level gave way under the weight of over three hundred people. It collapsed into the House of Delegates chamber below, killing sixty and injuring more than a hundred others. Since then, strange sounds have been reported in that area, including screams, groans, and hurried footsteps echoing through the corridors with no one in sight. Staff working late have reported hearing voices or the murmur of a crowd when the building is otherwise empty.

Apparitions have also been sighted by security guards and visitors alike. A man in 19th-century clothing is sometimes seen walking the hallways before vanishing near the site of the collapse. Others have seen a woman in period dress lingering near the main staircase or looking out one of the upper windows. These figures are often accompanied by sudden chills or feelings of unease, and their appearances are typically brief and silent, almost like a memory repeating itself.

Some employees have reported mysterious activity around their offices, such as lights flickering, papers shifting without explanation, or doors opening and closing on their own. In some cases, personal items have been found moved or missing, only to reappear in strange locations later. Several workers have mentioned a heavy feeling in certain rooms, as if being watched or followed, especially late at night when the building is quiet and mostly empty. Some believe these disturbances stem from the tragic energy still lingering from the collapse over a century ago.

Despite its grandeur and official status, the Virginia State Capitol building remains a place where history seems to speak through more than just stone and speeches. For those who spend time inside its chambers, especially after hours, the sense that something unseen shares the space is difficult to ignore. Whether these experiences are the result of restless spirits or the emotional residue of turbulent events like the 1870 collapse, the Capitol continues to be a place where the past never feels entirely gone.

Added by: sdonley on 07/27/2025 DB#: 1759
Source(s): Various

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