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New England is a region that wears its history on its sleeve, from the quaint, cobblestone streets of Boston to the rugged coastlines of Maine.
But beyond the Revolutionary War landmarks and picturesque lighthouses, there’s a lesser-known side to New England - a world of ghosts, monsters and witchy folklore that have been passed down through generations.
Folklore in this part of the USA is as varied as the terrain and i'm taking a quick tour through a few stories from each New England state.
From Connecticut’s cursed towns to Vermont’s legendary lake monster, there’s plenty to see here...
Published: 7th Nov 2024
Author: Mythfolks
1. Massachusetts folklore
1.1 The Legend of the Salem Witch Trials
In 1692, the quiet town of Salem, Massachusetts, became the epicenter of one of the most infamous witch hunts in history.
A group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil, leading to a wave of hysteria that saw over 200 people accused of witchcraft. Twenty were executed.
The trials left an indelible mark on the town, turning it into a symbol of the dangers of mass hysteria and injustice. Today, Salem embraces its eerie past, drawing thousands of visitors each year to explore its haunted history.
1.2 The Ghosts of Lizzie Borden
Fall River, Massachusetts, is home to one of America’s most notorious murder mysteries.
In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in their home. Their daughter, Lizzie, was accused of the crime but was later acquitted.
Despite her acquittal, the question of Lizzie’s guilt or innocence has persisted for over a century. Visitors to the Borden house, now a bed and breakfast, report strange occurrences, from phantom footsteps to objects moving on their own.
The legend of Lizzie Borden, whether innocent or guilty, continues to haunt Fall River.
1.3 The Tale of the Hoosac Tunnel
The Hoosac Tunnel, also known as the “Bloody Pit,” is a 4.75-mile railroad tunnel that cuts through the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts.
Completed in 1875, the tunnel was the site of numerous accidents and deaths during its construction, leading to rumors of hauntings.
Workers reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing strange voices, and feeling an ominous presence within the tunnel.
Even after its completion, the Hoosac Tunnel continued to claim lives, cementing its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the state.
2. Rhode Island folklore
2.1 The Tale of Mercy Brown, the Last New England Vampire
In the late 19th century, a bizarre case of vampirism gripped the small town of Exeter, Rhode Island.
Mercy Brown, a young woman who had died of tuberculosis, was exhumed from her grave after several family members fell ill with the same disease.
Her body was found unusually well-preserved, leading townspeople to believe she was a vampire. They removed her heart, burned it, and mixed the ashes into a potion meant to cure the sick.
This strange and tragic story is one of the last examples of the vampire panic in New England.
2.2 The Hauntings of the Ladd School
The Ladd School in Exeter, Rhode Island, originally opened as the Exeter School for the Feeble-Minded in 1908, was a place of horror for many of its residents.
Known for its terrible conditions and mistreatment of patients, the school was eventually closed in 1994. Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the state.
Visitors and paranormal investigators report hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and even screams. The decaying buildings and eerie silence make the Ladd School a chilling reminder of a dark past.
2.3 The Legend of the Devil’s Footprint
In North Kingstown, Rhode Island, there’s a strange rock formation known as the Devil’s Footprint.
According to legend, the mark was left by Satan himself when he tried to abduct a Native American woman.
She resisted, and in his frustration, the devil stomped his foot, leaving a permanent mark on the stone.
The footprint is still visible today, and locals warn that bad luck will follow those who disturb the area.
Discover more
unique New England legends.
3. Connecticut folklore
3.1 The Curse of Dudleytown
Nestled in the woods of Cornwall, Connecticut, lies Dudleytown, an abandoned settlement with a reputation for being cursed.
Founded in the 1740s, Dudleytown was plagued by mysterious deaths, suicides and insanity. Eventually, the settlement was abandoned, and today, it’s a ghost town.
Some believe the curse is tied to the Dudley family, whose ancestors were involved in political intrigue in England.
Visitors to the site report eerie sensations, strange noises, and sightings of shadowy figures.
Whether cursed or not, Dudleytown is a place still shrouded in mystery and fear.
3.2 The Witch of Monroe
Hannah Cranna, known as the “Wicked Witch of Monroe,” was a woman who lived in Monroe, Connecticut, in the 19th century.
Locals believed she had supernatural powers and blamed her for various misfortunes. Despite these rumors, Hannah lived to the age of 77.
Before her death, she reportedly told her neighbors that if they didn’t carry out her specific burial wishes, disaster would follow.
When her instructions weren’t followed to the letter, strange things happened: her coffin supposedly moved on its own, and a sudden snowstorm prevented her burial.
To this day, Hannah Cranna’s grave is said to be haunted by her restless spirit.
3.3 The Ghosts of New London Ledge Lighthouse
Off the coast of Connecticut, the New London Ledge Lighthouse stands as a beacon to passing ships—and perhaps to wandering spirits.
Built in 1909, the lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper named Ernie, who allegedly jumped to his death after his wife left him.
Visitors and Coast Guard personnel have reported hearing doors slam, footsteps echoing through empty halls, and seeing objects move on their own.
The haunting of the New London Ledge Lighthouse remains one of Connecticut’s most enduring ghost stories.
4.1 The Monster of Pocomoonshine Lake
In the remote wilderness of Washington County, Maine, lies Pocomoonshine Lake, home to a legendary monster.
Described as a massive, serpent-like creature with a long, undulating body, the Monster of Pocomoonshine has been part of local lore for generations.
According to one tale, the creature is the result of a feud between two Native American shamans, who transformed into gigantic snakes to battle each other.
The monster is said to surface on foggy mornings, slithering through the water and terrifying those who are unlucky enough to witness it.
Though sightings have dwindled, the legend endures, with some locals believing the creature still lurks beneath the lake’s surface.
4.2 The Phantom Ship of Casco Bay
Casco Bay, off the coast of Portland, Maine, is said to be the home of a ghostly ship that appears out of the mist before vanishing into thin air.
This phantom ship, often described as a three-masted schooner, has been reported by sailors and locals for centuries.
The legend goes that the ship is cursed to sail the waters of Casco Bay for eternity, never reaching port. Some believe the ghostly vessel is the lost ship of Captain Chase, who was said to have made a deal with the devil for speedier voyages.
The ship’s mysterious appearances are often seen as an omen of impending storms or disaster at sea.
4.3 The White Lady of Brownville Road
In the small town of Brownville, Maine, there’s a lesser-known ghost story about a woman in white who haunts Brownville Road.
The story goes that the woman was killed in a car accident on her wedding night, and now her spirit wanders the road, searching for her lost groom.
Motorists driving along the road have reported seeing a spectral figure in a white dress standing by the roadside, only to vanish when approached.
Some say she’s a tragic figure, while others see her as a warning to drive carefully on the winding, rural roads.
5. New Hampshire folklore
5.1 The Legend of the Wood Devils
Deep in the forests of Coos County, New Hampshire, there are tales of strange creatures known as the Wood Devils.
These tall, thin, hairy humanoid beings are said to resemble Bigfoot but are faster and more elusive.
According to local lore, Wood Devils stand motionless against trees to avoid detection and are only seen when someone stumbles upon them by accident.
Though sightings are rare, the stories have persisted for decades, with reports of eerie noises, strange tracks, and fleeting glimpses of the creatures.
The Wood Devils are a mysterious and unsettling part of New Hampshire's folklore, leading many to wonder what truly lies in the dense northern woods.
5.2 The Ghosts of Pine Hill Cemetery
Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis, New Hampshire, also known as “Blood Cemetery,” is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the state.
The cemetery earned its nickname from the Blood family, who are buried there, but the hauntings go beyond just a name.
Visitors report seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
One of the most famous ghosts is that of Abel Blood, a 19th-century resident whose tombstone is said to change its inscription at night.
The cemetery’s dark, twisted trees and isolated location add to its chilling reputation, making it a popular spot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
5.3 The Specter of Ocean-Born Mary
Ocean-Born Mary is a lesser-known ghost story from Henniker, New Hampshire.
According to legend, Mary was born at sea in 1720 during a pirate attack. The pirate captain spared her life on the condition that she be named Mary and that he be allowed to give her a green silk dress as a gift.
Years later, after Mary lived a full life, she supposedly haunts her home in Henniker, often seen wearing that same green dress.
Some say she’s a benevolent spirit, watching over the house, while others believe her ghost is still waiting for the pirate captain’s return.
Read more
New England pirate ghost stories here.
6. Vermont folklore
6.1 Champ, the Lake Champlain Monster
Lake Champlain, which stretches between Vermont and New York, is home to one of America’s most famous cryptids: Champ, the Lake Champlain Monster.
Described as a long, serpentine creature with a horse-like head, Champ has been the subject of hundreds of sightings since the early 19th century.
Some believe Champ is a prehistoric creature that somehow survived in the lake’s deep waters, while others think it’s simply a case of mistaken identity.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Champ has become a beloved part of local lore, inspiring everything from tourism to minor league baseball team mascots.
Whether real or imagined, Champ remains a mysterious and enduring figure in Vermont folklore.
6.2 The Ghosts of Emily’s Bridge
Gold Brook Bridge in Stowe, Vermont, better known as “Emily’s Bridge,” is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young woman named Emily.
According to legend, Emily died at the bridge in the 19th century, either from a broken heart after being abandoned by her lover or in a tragic accident.
Since then, many who cross the bridge at night report strange occurrences: the sound of footsteps, scratches on cars, and even the sight of a ghostly figure.
Some believe Emily is a vengeful spirit, while others see her as a tragic figure trapped between worlds. The bridge’s quaint appearance by day belies the eerie experiences reported after dark.
6.3 The Bennington Triangle
The Bennington Triangle is an area in southwestern Vermont where a series of unexplained disappearances occurred between 1945 and 1950.
Five people vanished without a trace in or around Glastenbury Mountain, leading to speculation about what might be behind these mysterious events.
Some theories suggest that the area is cursed, possibly due to Native American legends that warn against venturing into the region.
Others believe there’s a more earthly explanation, such as foul play or the dangers of the rugged, remote terrain.
However, the lack of evidence and the sheer number of disappearances have led many to view the Bennington Triangle as one of New England’s greatest mysteries.
New England is much more than just a place of quaint villages and historical landmarks (although it's full of this too of course!).
But it's a region steeped in legends that blur the line between history and myth and New England offers its own unique brand of folklore that reflects the fears, beliefs, and imaginations of the people who have lived there for centuries.
These tales, whether they involve legendary cryptid monsters like Champ, haunted sites like Dudleytown, or creepy ghost stories, have a way of sticking with us.
They remind us that no matter how modern our world becomes, there are still corners of the earth - and of our minds - where the unknown reigns. So, whether you're a local or a curious visitor, these stories offer a glimpse into the darker, stranger side of New England and invite you to explore the region with a little more caution and a lot more curiosity.
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