Despite the bureaucratic headaches that no doubt dogged the process, courageous North Carolina has allowed paranormal researchers to deploy their gear in the Statehouse in Raleigh. And the just released findings show that a specter in post-Civil War clothing is haunting the old House chambers.

The Ghost Research Foundation has documented evidence. But, said the head of the Foundation, "I knew if I looked directly at him, he would disappear."

Using infrared video cameras, electromagnetic field detectors and thermal probes, the Foundation has also photographed energy orbs and has a recording of a whisper.

Said Capitol historian Raymond Beck, "there is some fairly compelling evidence that there is something paranormal going on here."

We have reported in the past on sudden claims of paranormal activity being used to attract tourists, and suspect that something similar is going here. Raleigh is also raising its TQ (Tourism Quotient) by bringing in an Andy Griffith statue.

However, given that the North Carolina Capitol is where the state's laws are debated and enacted, that it is haunted has come as no surprise to residents. [02/23/2003]

February 10, 2012