Legends

Just off the coast of Fairfield, a lonely light sits in the Sound — a safety signal for ships or a beacon for spirits?

On a recent trip to Ossining, New York, we visit the NEW resting place of the Old Leather Man, and were happy to see that Ol’ Leathery is doing just fine.

With its long and rich maritime heritage, Connecticut has witnessed more than a fair share of sea monsters and serpents in the waters off its coast.

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!

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.”

Here in Connecticut, we’ve gotten used to wild storms and freak atmospheric events, but none were as unusual as the darkness that descended upon May 19, 1780.

When it comes to eccentric Connecticut vagabonds, none is more renowned than the curious case of the Old Leather Man. But the mystery of the dapper Darn Man of eastern Connecticut is just as compelling.

Described as a fearsome cross between a dog, panther and a bear, the legendary and mysterious Glawackus terrorized Glastonbury and the surrounding areas during the middle part of the 20th century.

New York isn’t the only state to have a headless, horse-riding phantom who terrorizes hapless travelers.

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. UPDATED: We recently paid a visit.

Like many cultures around the globe, Connecticut has its own race of magical little people who live on the periphery of civilization.