Not Many People Know This Famous New York Government Building Is Haunted
By Lisa Sammons|Published October 15, 2021
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
There are plenty of haunted buildings in New York. You’re probably familiar with some of our haunted hotels and haunted restaurants. But did you know one of the most famous government buildings in New York is allegedly haunted as well? The New York State Capitol in Albany is a beautiful piece of architecture and you may have even taken a tour of it. With more than 250 years of history, it’s certainly got quite a past, and with that comes rumors of spookiness!
It's undeniable that this is among the most beautiful capitol buildings in the nation. It has such a uniquely opulent style.
This majestic place has been the seat of the New York government ever since its construction in 1899. It took over a quarter-century to build. The cost was a then-astronomical $25 million ($778 million in today's dollars).
Beneath its beauty, it is believed that the Capitol holds some dark secrets. Many employees and visitors to the building have claimed to see floating orbs or hear sounds when no one was around.
One dedicated watchman, Samuel Abbott, was killed in a fire at the Capitol in 1911. The Civil War veteran was the only veteran of the massive fire. Employees claim to hear his keys jangling in the halls on evenings when no one is around.
The bodies of U.S. Presidents Lincoln and Grant both lay in state at the Capitol. Lincoln's body was transported to New York by train. Some claim that each year, on the anniversary of his death, an apparition of the rail car draped in black can be seen heading towards Albany.
One night, a tour guide who was closing up for the evening thought she saw someone fall from the staircase. She looked into the matter and it was found that many years before, a fruit stand owner had entered the building and committed suicide in that spot.
Whether you believe it’s haunted or not, this is a truly incredible building with a fascinating history. If you’re interested in reserving a ticket for an October Capitol Hauntings tour, check out the website.
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