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!
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.
The Damned Story: For centuries in the town of Moodus, odd noises have been heard — spooky rumblings that have been described as sounding like everything from thunder to trees falling to the Earth itself belching. No one is quite sure from where they originate or what causes them, but people do know them when …
Animal lovers, beware!
Over the years, people have told of encounters with a small, vaguely spaniel-like, short-haired black dog. Often, it is described as having come out of nowhere, and despite its sad eyes, being quite happy to have human companionship. Like any good phantom, it leaves no footprints and makes no sound when it barks or howls, yet it leaves quite an impression. For it is said of the Black Dog: “If a man shall meet the Black Dog once, it shall be for joy; and if twice, it shall be for sorrow; and the third time, he shall die.”
