Louisiana’s Old State Capitol – Haunted Government Building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sitting atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is one of the most striking landmarks in Baton Rouge. Known for its Gothic Revival architecture, the structure has served as a government hub, a war post, and a historical museum. Yet, beneath its beauty lies a chilling history of political turmoil, war, and death—fueling its reputation as one of Louisiana’s most haunted locations.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1847
• Original Purpose: State government building
• Significant Events:
  • Used as a prison during the Civil War by Union troops.
  • Fires and war-related destruction forced multiple reconstructions.
  • Various politicians, soldiers, and government officials met tragic ends within its walls.
  • Reports of suicides and violent altercations contribute to its haunted reputation.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors and staff frequently report eerie sensations, ghostly whispers, and even full-bodied apparitions. Some of the most common occurrences include:

• Unexplained cold spots throughout the building.
• Mysterious orbs and shadows captured in photographs.
• Flickering lights and electrical disturbances.
• Heavy footsteps echoing through empty halls.
• Disembodied voices and faint conversations heard in vacant rooms.
• Apparitions of former politicians have been spotted wandering the grand staircase and chambers.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The most famous ghost haunting the Old State Capitol is said to be that of Pierre Couvillon, a 19th-century politician. Some believe he still lingers, furious about the corruption that plagued Louisiana politics during his time. Visitors claim to have seen his translucent figure standing near the main chamber, as if still debating his long-lost cases.

Another well-known specter is a woman in a Victorian gown, often seen near the spiral staircase. Some theorists believe she could be the spirit of Sarah Morgan, a Civil War-era resident of Baton Rouge who wrote about the destruction of the building in her famous diary.

Locals also whisper of an unnamed soldier, likely one of the Union troops stationed there during the war. His presence is marked by sudden temperature drops and the sound of military boots pacing through the corridors late at night.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The grand staircase is often cited as the most haunted location in the building. Shadowy figures have been seen ascending the steps, and some visitors report a strong feeling of unease, as if being watched. Others have felt an unseen force pushing them lightly from behind.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Tour Availability: Guided historical tours available; paranormal tours offered during October.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM

Best Time to Visit

The fall months, particularly October, are the best times to visit. Paranormal activity is said to increase around Halloween, when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thinnest.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol has been featured in several paranormal investigation shows, including Ghost Hunters and Most Terrifying Places in America. Investigators have recorded unexplained voices using EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) devices, and EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meters have spiked in areas with no visible sources of interference. Thermal cameras have also captured strange, heat-signature anomalies in otherwise empty rooms.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

There are no known safety hazards, but visitors are urged to stay on designated paths, as some sections of the building are off-limits for preservation purposes.