Imagine walking through a grand ballroom where presidents once dined, or down elegant corridors echoing with stories from centuries past. Nestled in the charming seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey, Congress Hall is far more than just a luxurious resort — it’s a living time capsule. Beyond its stately columns and ocean-view patios lies a rich, and sometimes eerie, history filled with intrigue, mystery, and whispers of the supernatural. Whether you’re a devoted history buff, a lover of elegant coastal escapes, or a ghost hunter on the prowl for the next thrilling encounter, Congress Hall promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. Prepare to delve into one of America’s oldest (and most haunted) seaside resorts.
The History
From Boarding House to Presidential Retreat
The storied past of Congress Hall begins in 1816, when a man named Thomas Hughes—who would later serve as Cape May’s first mayor—built a modest boarding house known simply as “The Big House.” Hughes envisioned a large, comfortable place by the sea where guests could enjoy the natural beauty and healing sea air that Cape May had to offer. Little did he know, his simple seaside inn would blossom into an iconic American destination.
By 1828, the building was renamed Congress Hall, a nod to Hughes’ own political background. Word of the luxurious resort spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before the nation’s elite began spending their summers here. Over time, Congress Hall became more than just a hotel—it became a social hub, drawing dignitaries, artists, and U.S. presidents alike.
A Favorite of U.S. Presidents
Congress Hall’s most prestigious claim to fame is perhaps its legacy as the “Summer White House.” President Benjamin Harrison, in particular, adored vacationing at the hotel during the 1890s. He didn’t just visit; he conducted the nation’s business from its elegant halls. Letters were sent, decisions made, and policies discussed—all against the charming backdrop of Atlantic waves and salt-laced air. Other U.S. presidents before and after him, including Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan, have also graced the halls of this historic building with their presence.
Guests today can tour the so-called “Presidential Suite,” complete with antiques and period décor, a respectful homage to its distinguished past. It’s these political connections that have helped cement the place in American history—and possibly, according to some, in American ghost lore as well.
Surviving Fire and Time
In 1878, a devastating fire wiped out a significant portion of Cape May, including much of Congress Hall. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the beloved resort was rebuilt only two years later, stronger and grander than before, this time using brick rather than wood. The rebuilding effort contributed to Cape May’s unique Victorian aesthetic, which remains one of its defining features to this day.
From there, Congress Hall continued to evolve with the times. It briefly served as a Christian retreat under the stewardship of Reverend Carl McIntire in the mid-20th century before undergoing an extensive renovation in the 1990s. This careful restoration preserved the historical architecture while reviving the old-world charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.
The Haunt
The Ghostly Residents of Congress Hall
For those who take interest in the paranormal, Congress Hall whispers more than just tales of politics and sandy walks on the beach. Many believe that the long history and dramatic episodes of this building’s past—including its time as a political hub, its destruction by fire, and its religious conversion—have left an indelible mark beyond the physical, manifesting in whispers, shadows, and unexplained apparitions.
Reports of Paranormal Activity
Guests and employees alike have reported spine-tingling experiences over the years. Common sightings include ghostly figures in period clothing appearing briefly before fading into thin air. A woman in a Victorian dress is said to stroll the hallways in the early hours of the morning, disappearing when approached. Could she be a long-forgotten guest, or perhaps one of the many staff who worked at the hotel throughout its history?
There’s talk of disembodied voices echoing in empty rooms and mysterious knocks in the dead of night. In the lobby and the former servants’ quarters, cold spots have been reported—even in the height of summer. Some stories tell of phantom piano music drifting down the halls, even when no one is near the instrument. Others have seen flickering lights, moving furniture, and doors that slam shut without explanation.
During one particularly compelling incident, a guest staying in one of the older rooms awoke to find a man in 19th-century attire standing at the foot of their bed. When questioned by hotel staff in the morning, no staff matching the man’s description were on duty—or even employed.
The Basement Mystery
Perhaps the most intriguing—and eerie—location is the basement. It’s often off-limits to guests, but maintenance workers have long whispered about strange shadows and sudden drops in temperature. Some say it’s the most haunted part of the building, potentially containing residual energy from the hotel’s chaotic rebuild after the great fire of 1878.
Psychics and mediums who have visited Congress Hall often note a strong presence in this area. One even claimed to have made contact with a young girl who had died during the tumultuous rebuilding years, although no record of such a death has ever been confirmed—or denied—for that matter.
Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Thanks to its growing reputation as one of New Jersey’s most haunted locations, Congress Hall has become a regular feature on Cape May’s renowned ghost tours. Local guides share stories about its otherworldly activity, blending history with haunting in delightfully eerie fashion. Paranormal enthusiasts often bring along equipment—from EMF meters to digital recorders—and many claim to gather compelling evidence of ghostly interactions.
In recent years, independent ghost hunting groups have conducted several unofficial investigations on-site, and although there hasn’t been any “officially released” data, whispers of shadow figures and EVPs (“electronic voice phenomena”) suggest that Congress Hall ranks high among America’s haunted landmarks.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Paranormal Enthusiasts
Congress Hall with its stately charm and stunning Atlantic views may draw beachgoers and history buffs, but for those with a taste for the paranormal, it’s truly a gem worth discovering. With its layered history, lingering spirits, and undeniable energy, the hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience American history wrapped in elegance—and maybe a few goosebumps.
Whether you’re wandering the halls in search of lingering presidential spirits or sitting quietly in the lobby hoping to catch a mysterious piano tune, Congress Hall invites adventurers of all types. So, fellow ghost hunters, pack your EMF device, charge your thermal camera, and prepare to step into a living, haunted slice of American history. Because at Congress Hall, you’re never quite alone—and that’s exactly the point.