The Nutmeg State is full of fascinating–if not a little odd–legends, myths and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. We find the Connecticut’s strange history just as interesting as you do!
Growing up in Milford, one of the local stories we all heard about was about a group of giant-headed mutants who lived on the outskirts of town, a band of inbred freaks who were ready to prey Deliverance-style on whoever was careless enough to wander into their midst….
Like the Melon Heads, the Frog People are said to be outcast band of physically deformed folk who eschew normal society, keeping their weird appearance to themselves.
When she was alive, Hannah Cranna was known as “The Wicked Witch of Monroe,” a reputation that continues to follow her over 150 years after her death.
One of the most unusual legends in Connecticut history is the story of The Old Leatherman, who was a very real, if unusual, individual. Update: We visit Ol’ Leathery’s final resting place.
Although Connecticut has seen — and burned — its fair share of “witches,” other wielders of dark forces have been alleged to inhabit our fair state. Case in point: The Jewett City Vampires.
One of the most popular hiking destinations in Connecticut, the story of Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden includes Native American legends, dead bodies and, in our case, a sea of poison ivy!
In addition to countless tons of iron, Mt. Riga in Salisbury also gave birth to a more curious commodity, a breed of “damned” mountain folk who would become known as The Raggies.
From its demise in 1646 to this day, there are those who believe a giant ship can be seen after a thunderous gale in the clouds over New Haven harbor, doomed to continually replay its tragic demise forever.
According to local history, notorious pirate Captain William Kidd visited Milford during his final voyage in 1699, a stop along the way to Boston (where he would be subsequently arrested and imprisoned before being returned to England for trial and execution). Although he actually buried treasure at Gardiners Island just off of Long Island, it’s always been believed that he also hid a portion of his fortune on Charles Island, possibly beneath a giant boulder known as Hog Rock. And of course, being a good pirate, he cursed anyone who would go looking for his treasure.
Gardner Lake in Salem is known for many things — its natural beauty . . . its excellent fishing . . . an entire house sitting on its murky bottom . . . and of course, its mysterious piano music that seemingly rises from the depths.
