Congress Hall

A Brief History: Congress Hall is located on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Congress Hall was designed by architect Samuel Lewis, with construction beginning in 1787, with the doors opening in 1789. From 1790-1800, the hall served as the home for the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives occupied the first floor of Congress Hall as the convening place of delegates for the 13 original states in the Union. The Senate resided in an area known as the “upper house.” The hall has been restored to the year 1793, with many authentic pieces of furniture still remaining, such as 28 of the original 32 chairs as well as the secretary’s desk. Congress Hall played host to many historic moments in American history. In 1793, Congress Hall served as the inauguration site for President George Washington’s second term. The second president of the United States, John Adams, was also inaugurated within the Hall, and the Bill of Rights was ratified with the congress chambers.

After congress moved to Washington, D.C., Congress Hall was reverted back to it’s original purpose as the Philadelphia County Courthouse. Today, Congress Hall is a part of the Independence National Park of Pennsylvania, where guided tours are offered from March to December.

Haunted History: There have been many different reports of paranormal activity at Congress Hall. One common report is of people seeing the apparitions of the Coleman sisters, Ann and Sarah, dressed in 18th century clothing walking the grounds of Congress Hall. Many employees of Congress Hall have claimed to have encountered paranormal activity at the historic site. Residual activity is frequently reported, as well as strange mists, full-bodied apparitions, and people being touched and grabbed. There has been a good amount of evidence captured at Congress Hall, including EVP’s and pictures of orbs and disembodied figures.