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A spirited capitol debate
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There's always been a debate about whether or not ghosts exist, but the most spirited debate in Tennessee may be the one that takes place at the State Capitol in Nashville. Between two men long dead.When Tennessee legislators decided they needed an appropriate structure in which to conduct state business they put out a national call for an architect. William Strickland, a staunch Northerner, was awarded the contract, and he faced fierce opposition from Southern supporters. However, Strickland moved to Nashville in 1845 with completed plans under his arm. In spite of the initial resistance, Tennesseans soon fell in love with his vision of the new Capitol, and the cornerstone of the building was laid on July 4 of that year.
Bureaucratic squabbling frequently delayed construction over the next nine years, as did the frequent depletion of funds. Also stalling the progress, though, was Samuel Morgan. Morgan had been hand-chosen by the Capitol Commission to keep Strickland on task and under budget, and he thought Strickland was prone to flights of fancy and cared little for the state's money issues, while Strickland viewed Morgan as a man who understood nothing about art.
In spite of Morgan's fiery resolve to never back down, Strickland slowly saw his vision come to life. However, it's often thought Strickland also had a vision of his own mortality, as he designed the Capitol with a vault in the northern wall and instructions to inter his body there upon his death.
Although Strickland saw the Capitol open for business in 1853, he didn't live to see it completed, dying on April 7, 1854. His son, Francis, completed the project for his father and witnessed the laying of the final stone on July 21, 1855.
Fate wasn't finished with Strickland and Morgan. When Samuel Morgan passed away on June 10, 1880, the state of Tennessee decided to reward him for his devoted service to the state by interring him in the State Capitol. Right next to William Strickland.
Capitol police, security guards and other people working in the building at night have frequently reported loud arguments heard within its hallways, especially around its northern walls. Police are called, investigations are made, but the source of the spirited debate is never found. It appears that even in death, the Capitol debate between William Strickland and Samuel Morgan continues.
More info: Throughout his life in Nashville, William Strickland designed other mansions and buildings here as well, including the Egyptian-influenced First Presbyterian Church downtown.
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