North Carolina Executive Mansion

Posted: 03.27.2025 | Updated: 03.27.2025

The North Carolina Executive Mansion, inspired by Queen Anne architecture, is the official residence of the state’s governor. Not only is the landmark a symbol of political power, but it is also one of the most haunted places in North Carolina. 

The infamous Executive Mansion harbors a multitude of secrets that transcend the realm of the living, intriguing both believers and skeptics alike. 

While the landmark’s visitors are drawn to its intricate design and rich history, they could unknowingly brush shoulders with the spirits of the past. Previous governors of North Carolina have reported unexplained phenomena during their tenure. 

For those fascinated with the combination of rich history and intrigue, a Charlotte ghost tour with Queen City Ghosts is for you!

Who Haunts the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion?

Even though the mansion has been the residence of many people since it was built, the primary spirit said to exist there is thought to be Governor Daniel Gould Fowle, the first governor to occupy it. 

In 1891, Governor Fowle died in his bed only three months after moving in. Since his death, governors and employees have found unusual occurrences in the house. Most of these occurrences relate to the late governor’s old bedroom and custom-built bed.

History of the North Carolina Executive Mansion

The North Carolina Executive Mansion, which is located at 200 North Blount Street in Raleigh, began construction in 1883 and was officially completed in 1891. 

Convict labor from the nearby penitentiary created the historic landmark. Aside from the reported hauntings, the structure is known for its intricate Victorian details and is a longstanding symbol of political power in North Carolina. 

Architect Samuel Sloan, the designer of the infamous mansion, attempted to create a residence that reflected the grandeur and prosperity of the state. The building features complex woodwork, ornate plasterwork, and impeccable furnishing, highlighting the craftsmanship of the 19th century. 

The grounds are just as impressive, with meticulously manicured gardens, towering trees, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Its walls have witnessed countless decisions that have shaped the state’s history. It has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities, and everyday citizens alike. This rich tapestry of history, combined with the mansion’s architectural beauty, has contributed to its enduring appeal and its reputation as one of Raleigh’s most iconic landmarks.

Throughout its history, the mansion has been more than just a home for the state’s governors; it has been a stage for significant political events, a symbol of North Carolina’s identity, and, perhaps unwittingly, a haven for lingering spirits. 

Hauntings of the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion

The North Carolina Governor’s Mansion hauntings primarily focus on unexplained knocking and a few other strange occurrences. The most well-known event occurred when Governor Bob Scott was governor from 1969 to 1973. 

Scott and his wife started hearing unexplained knocking from the wall at the rear of their new bed, after relocating Governor Fowle’s original bed from the second-floor bedroom. These occurrences became more fantastical when they occurred every night at around 10 p.m. 

Governor Fowles Ghost

As noted earlier, Governor Daniel Fowle’s restless energy is the most powerful spiritual force in the mansion. Most of the hauntings are centered around his custom-built bed, which was designed to accept nighttime visits with his young son in mind.

In a fascinating parallel to the knocking, Governor Fowle summoned his children to his bedside using a call button. The odd device emitted a series of three clicking noises. Governor Scott’s account is that the knocking sounds he heard consisted of three individual knocks.

In addition to the infamous knocking, several witnesses have also attested to seeing Governor Fowle’s ghost roaming the corridors late at night via the second-story windows. Witnesses say the ghost is a transparent figure dressed formally, closely resembling Governor Fowle’s portraits.

The Life of Governor Fowle

Governor Daniel Fowle was born on March 3rd, 1831, in Washington, North Carolina. After his education at William Bingham Academy and Princeton University, Fowle studied law. 

Shortly after graduating, Fowle established a law practice in Raleigh in 1854, firmly establishing his professional career. 

While Fowle initially opposed North Carolina’s secession from the Union, he ultimately decided to serve in the Confederate Army. He quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the 31st North Carolina Regiment. Fowle’s political career began during the Civil War as he was elected to the state legislature. He also served as a state representative and was appointed as adjutant general by Governor Zebulon Vance.  

After the war, Fowle’s political career soured, serving as a Superior Court justice from 1865 to 1867. Later he was chairman of the North Carolina State Democratic Committee in 1868. 

While initially losing bids for governor in 1880 and Congress in 1884, Fowle later secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. This led to Fowle’s successful bid for governor in 1888, making him the 46th governor of North Carolina. 

As the governor, he strongly advocated for educational improvements and established a railroad commission. Despite being the 46th governor, he was the first to reside in the infamous Governor’s Mansion. 

The Passing of Governor Fowle 

Governor Fowle died on April 7th, 1891, in the governor’s mansion, making him the sole governor to have passed away within the mansion. He had moved into the clean residence a mere three months before his death. 

On the night of his death, Fowle reported being unwell and eventually retired to bed in the second-story bedroom.

As the night progressed, Fowle came to terms with the fact that he was going to pass away, so he proceeded to summon his children to his bedside using a call button – making three clicking sounds. Fowle passed away in the very room that would eventually be at the center of the haunting stories.

Phantom Gust of Wind

Aside from Governor Scott shifting his bed scene, one of the state troopers patrolling the mansion has spoken about another unexpected narrative. While making the routine round on the third floor, the officer says he was met by a sudden burst of energy upon entering one room.

The sudden and violent gust of air stormed through the door, slamming the officer’s door closed behind him. As fast as it happened, the door bounced open as if never to. Shaken, the officer quickly left the third floor.

Haunted Charlotte

The North Carolina Governor’s Mansion is a phenomenal combination of rich history and lore, the perfect addition to Charlotte ghost tours. The mansion draws countless visitors and is one of the most prominent haunted locations in North Carolina. The Executive Mansion is just breaking the surface of Raleigh’s rich history. 

To fully immerse yourself in Charlotte’s haunted dwellings, consider joining a Queen City Ghosts tour. Our guides will lead you through the city’s most haunted locations and tell spine-tingling stories and historical insights. 

Do not miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history and the chance of a ghostly encounter of your own on a Charlotte ghost tour! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real North Carolina hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://queencityghosts.com/
2. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/politics/2021/10/06/haunted-history–governor-s-mansion-very-own-ghost-story
3. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article181246786.html
4. https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/north-carolina-state-capitol/north-carolina-executive-mansion
5. https://www.dncr.nc.gov/visit/history/triangletriad/north-carolina-executive-mansion
6. https://www.nga.org/governor/daniel-gould-fowle/#:~:text=FOWLE%2C%20the%20forty%2Dsixth%20governor,1853%20was%20licensed%20to%20practice.