| Have you ever taken a tour of the White House? According to local legend, it is the most haunted building in Washington, DC. It’s no wonder, especially when we reflect back on the tumultuous times that our presidents and their families have endured while living in this residence. Dolley Madison is perhaps the most dramatic example. After all, she had to flee for her life when the British army invaded and burned the “President’s House,” as it was then called, and the other Public Buildings during the disastrous War of 1812. Many historians credit Dolley Madison with planting the first Rose Garden on the muddy grounds of the original White House. Over 100 years later, President Woodrow Wilson’s wife, Edith, asked some employees to move the garden to another location. Much to their horror, the angry ghost of Dolley Madison appeared to them, refusing to let them tear up her beloved garden. As a result, the Rose Garden remains in its original location to this day. The unexplained smell of roses often permeates the White House, which is attributed to Dolley’s ghost.  Lore has it that unnamed British soldier who perished during the War of 1812 also roams the grounds. In fact, he holds a torch aloft that looks suspiciously like those used to ignite the President’s House. Let’s hope he does not ever encounter Dolley’s feisty ghost or there might be quite a showdown! Despite establishing the Rose Garden, Dolley’s favorite flower was the lilac, and she was known for wearing her trademark lilac-scented perfume. After the burning of the President’s House in August 1814 during the disastrous War of 1812, Dolley and President Madison temporarily resided at the nearby Octagon House. According to legend, the ghost of Dolley still holds occasional receptions there in the front hall and adjoining drawing room. It is also said that visitors often catch a whiff of lilac, indicating that Dolley’s spirit is present.And there’s more! Bystanders have spotted the ghost of the former First Lady on the front porch of the Cutts-Madison House where she spent her final years in poverty. Swaying back and forth in her rocking chair wearing a Colonial dress, she looks out at Lafayette Park and reflects on her life.  The Cutts-Madison House (also known as the “Dolley Madison House”) is an American colonial-style historic home, now used for offices located at 1520 H Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. |
