During the 1840s, after meeting in a cheap building for several years, the state legislature decided it was time to upgrade to a better location. Work immediately began on a new capitol building. William Strickland, an architect from Philadelphia, was imported to help build the new structure. Due to low revenues, Strickland had to work on a tight budget. He also had to deal with Samuel Morgan, head of the Capitol Commission. Morgan made it very clear he was going to have some influence in the building as well. As a result, the two strong willed men did not get along. They often argued very loudly, and almost came to blows on several occasions. Even so, both were very respected, both by the legislature, and by the people of Tennessee.

In fact, these two men were so respected, that when they died, they were both interred in a vault in the capitol building. These are the only two people in state history to be buried on capitol grounds. It's a great honor, but it's likely that neither would appreciate sharing the honor with the other.

Today, on quiet nights, it is said that you can still hear these old rivals arguing. Police officers, patrolling the capitol grounds, have often shouting and rushed to investigate, finding nothing. This has happened several times, and many now attribute these events to the spirits of Morgan and Strickland, continuing their rivalry. Another account claims that the ghosts have no tolerance for those who don't treat the building with respect. Sometimes, when people put their feet on couches, they are instructed to remove them from an unseen voice. The ghosts still watch out for the buildings they helped build.

The politicians aren't the only people who argue at the capitol. Remember that the next time you visit.

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