The Octagon House

Built in 1799 and used by President James Madison after the British burned the White House in 1814, the Octagon House carries a dark history of tragedy. Two daughters of Colonel John Tayloe — the home's original owner — died here under disputed circumstances: one fell or jumped from a circular staircase after an argument with her father about her lover. The other died in the same location under similar circumstances. Both apparitions are seen on the staircase. Historians and museum staff document tool and object movements, cold spots on the staircase landings, and voices in the sealed basement.