Tennessee State Capitol

Tennessee's working statehouse in downtown Nashville, finished in 1859 and a National Historic Landmark since 1971. Architect William Strickland considered the Greek Revival building his greatest work.

It is the only American state capitol with bodies sealed in its walls: Strickland in the northeast corner, construction commissioner Samuel Morgan in the southeast. Strickland died in 1854, Morgan in 1880.

The tale of a feud between the 2 men rests on shaky ground: historian Jeff Sellers says they got along well, and the bitter rivalry over construction costs is likely exaggerated.

President James Polk and Sarah Polk lie in a tomb Strickland designed on the Capitol's east grounds. Their remains were moved more than once before the 1893 reinterment there.

Visitors and staff describe hearing Strickland and Morgan quarreling in the halls after dark. One telling has the argument starting around 9 at night, loud enough to carry outside the building.

After-hours passers-by describe a serious-looking man in dark formal dress near the Polk tomb, one who fades as they approach. Guides tell it as Polk, left restless by remains moved 3 times.

Free to visit Monday to Friday, 9 to 4, with guided 45-minute tours leaving from the first-floor information desk. The Polk tomb and both entombed corners sit outside, viewable anytime; expect security screening.