Georgetown, a historic neighborhood in Washington DC, is known for its enchanting streets and 19th-century architecture. But when night falls, these charming cobblestone alleys reveal a darker side.
From eerie legends of cursed presidents to haunted mansions and spectral sightings, Georgetown’s history is rich with spine-chilling tales. Here, we delve into some of the most haunting stories that have cemented Georgetown as one of the most ghostly corners of the capital.
The Twenty-Year Curse: Presidents and the Curse of Tippecanoe
A particularly spine-tingling tale associated with Washington DC involves a supposed curse that dooms US presidents elected in years divisible by 20. This theory, known as the “Curse of Tippecanoe,” has its origins in 1840, with the presidency of William Henry Harrison.
After only a month in office, Harrison succumbed to pneumonia, marking the beginning of a pattern. Twenty years later, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected and was tragically assassinated during his term. His successors—James A. Garfield, William McKinley, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy—each either died in office or were assassinated.
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The curse seemed unbreakable until 1980, when Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt. While some historians and skeptics dismiss the “Twenty-Year Curse” as coincidence, the pattern remains chillingly consistent. Today, tourists visiting Georgetown often hear the tale of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son, who seemed himself haunted by tragedy.
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Robert Lincoln was present or nearby when his father, as well as Presidents Garfield and McKinley, were assassinated, fueling speculation of a sinister link. After the tragedies, Robert retired from public life and lived in Georgetown, and his former home is one of the stops on ghost tours through the historic neighborhood.
The Old Stone House: Washington’s Oldest Haunted Building
Washington DC’s Old Stone House, located on M Street in Georgetown, is one of the oldest and reportedly most haunted buildings in the city. Built in 1765, this landmark has survived centuries and, according to legend, houses nine distinct spirits. Visitors and tour guides alike have reported ghostly sightings and strange occurrences within its walls.
Among the apparitions is a strict-looking elderly woman who appears to be working in the kitchen, dressed in a long, gray dress and wiping down countertops. Many believe she could be Cassandra Chu, a former innkeeper from when the building served as a tavern.
Another commonly sighted spirit is said to be a man with long hair, while one especially terrifying apparition is known only as “George,” rumored to have been a murderer. Tourists visiting the Old Stone House sometimes report hearing eerie whispers, cold drafts, and even seeing fleeting shadows in the corners of their eyes.
For those who are curious, the Old Stone House offers an opportunity to experience a piece of colonial history—alongside an unsettling encounter with its lingering inhabitants.
Legendary Haunts and the Eerie Exorcist Steps
No ghost tour of Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the notorious Exorcist Steps, located at the corner of Prospect Street.
The long, steep staircase became famous after its role in the classic horror film The Exorcist, where Father Karras meets his grim end. Georgetown residents and ghost tour guides recount tales of strange events surrounding the filming, adding a layer of eeriness to the already infamous steps.
The curse supposedly extended to the production crew: several crew members reportedly passed away during the film’s production, and the movie set itself mysteriously caught fire.
The Exorcist Steps continue to be a major attraction for horror fans and thrill-seekers alike, with many claiming to feel a chill or an overwhelming sense of dread when standing at the top. Even without the sinister associations, the steps exude a spooky atmosphere, especially in the dim evening light, evoking memories of the supernatural scenes that were filmed there.
Georgetown’s historic streets are undeniably beautiful, but for those seeking a taste of the supernatural, the neighborhood offers a wealth of ghostly tales and haunted locations. Walking these haunted streets, one can’t help but wonder how much of Georgetown’s storied past lingers in the shadows, waiting to reveal itself to those brave enough to listen.
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