Demon Cat (Washington, DC 20004)
It’s an adorable sight at first—a little cat right beside the U.S. Capitol, but don’t be fooled by what you see. It seems to be a cat at first, but it will turn into a tiger ready to pounce with sharp claws extended out.
Many victims of this seemingly impawsible encounter tell a similar tale, with an innocent cat that suddenly charges at you and turns into a tiger as it’s about to attack.
Supposed to dwell in the basements of the capital, the treacherous creature known as the “Demon Cat” is not what you would expect. Those who have lived to tell the tale say that the cat can be black or even tabby at first. The cat has historically been seen before historical sightings, such as the assassinations of presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.
Despite its recently infrequent sightings, many speculate as to when this kitty will make its appearance again. With the presidential election on the horizon, assassinations in the air and tensions higher than ever, be sure to watch out. You’ll never know when you will become the next purrfect victim.
Exorcist Stairs (Between Prospect NW & Canal Road NW)
The night is quiet on M Street in Georgetown. Lamp posts cut through the misty darkness cloaking a steep, ivy-lined staircase. Suddenly, in a shatter of glass, Father Damien Karras crashes through the window of an adjacent building and lands at the bottom of the steps with a sickening thud. Horror fans may recognize this famous scene from the 1973 Oscar-winning movie, The Exorcist, though they may not be as familiar with the actual location.
According to Georgetown University, the M Street steps were constructed as an efficient route for people to access the nearby Capital Traction Company Union Station, which offered public transportation via cable and street cars. However, for writer William Peter Blatty, the foreboding and claustrophobic ascent conjured more sinister images than just convenient shortcuts.
Prompted by the real-world exorcism of a young Maryland boy, Blatty wrote The Exorcist in 1971 and adapted the story into a screenplay two years later. Directed by William Friedkin, the eerie movie follows the MacNeil family when a demon possesses their 12-year-old daughter.
For those wanting to experience fear beyond a scary movie, pack your bags and prepare to climb the cinematic stairs of horror movie history.
Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St NW)
The Omni Shoreham Hotel features 836 suites, but there is one that cannot be reserved: Room 870.
According to the Omni Shoreham website, the Doherty family and their housekeeper Juliette Brown were among the first residents at the resort, living and dying in Suite 870. At around 4 a.m. one night, Brown became unwell and attempted to call for help. A silent phone was found next to her dead body.
In 1973, the surviving Dohertys departed from the Omni Shoreham, leaving behind Suite 870 and the spirit of Brown trapped within. The room was abandoned for several decades, during which many peculiar events took place, making people wonder if the room was truly vacant.
Television sets flickered on and off near 4 a.m., while disembodied whispers allegedly drifted out from inky dark corners. Motion-activated lights in the room flashed for no apparent reason.
Perhaps you might want to spend a night in the hotel—just remember that at the Omni Shoreham, they can’t promise that every guest is human.
