Octagon House, between 1910 and 1920. Artist Harris & Ewing. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images) Octagon House, [Washington, D.C.], mantel in parlor ca. between 1910 and 1926. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 05: The Octagon House is seen on Thursday October 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. The house was home to President James Madison after the White House was burnt in 1814. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 05: A camera flash illuminates a staircase at the Octagon House on Thursday October 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. The house was home to President James Madison after the White House was burnt in 1814. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Octagon House, Washington, D.C. ca. 1910-1926. (photo by: HUM Images/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Original Caption) Historic building in Washington, D.C....Octagon House, now the headquarters of the American Institute of Architects, President Madison resided here after the burning of the White House by the British in 1814. WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: A table used by President James Madison is seen at the Octagon Museum on Monday August 18, 2014 in Washington, DC. Madison lived at the house following the burning of the White House. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post via Getty Images) UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 18: Octagon House, headquarters building of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, D.C. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images) WASHINGTON - In the early 1800s, the Octagon House served as the White House for President James Madison, but today, it has plenty of ghostly activity to share.
The Octagon House is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, originally built in 1799.
It's considered one of the most haunted homes in D.C. Stories dating back to the family who first owned the home report the mysterious ringing of servant's call bells.
Another legend claims former First Lady Dolley Madison hosts ghostly receptions in the house.
"We've had visitors who currently, still to this day, feel different energies. They'll feel prickles on the back of their necks...and in the house's time, there have been various reports of haunted activity," said Amanda Ferrario, manager of the Octagon. "There were newspaper articles beginning as early as the 1800s, that would remark on individuals trying to spend the night in here and couldn't last the entire night. Journal entries from different family members that had spent some time here. And then, of course, the very many anecdotal pieces from different people who have worked and or lived here."
Join host Jacqueline Matter in learning about the hauntings that have occurred throughout the centuries inside the city's oldest private residence, and some that still occur to this day. Watch the latest Historic Haunts on FOX Local. Here's how to download FOX Local on your phone and smart TV.