Urban legends come in many forms in different cultures all over the world. Every state has at least one popular urban legend that many people still subscribe to... What's yours?
The Italian Bride – Illinois
Julia Buccola Petta perished during childbirth in 1921. Her family buried her in her wedding dress. Years later, her mother began having nightmares of her daughter. She demanded that the coffin be exhumed so she could check on her sweet girl. After a six-year-long fight, the government gave in and ordered it to be opened. Apparently, she wasn't decomposed at all... She looked like she had just been buried. The photo on the right is what she looked like years after she was dead and buried.
Water Babies of Massacre Rocks – Pocatello, ID
The river at Massacre Rocks in Idaho has its history plagued with reports of babies crying at night. Small baby hands have shown up on the rocks. The legend says that mothers drowned their babies in the river to save them from the famine that was ravaging the area.
Villisca Axe Murder House – Villisca, IA
In 1912, six members of the Moore family (two parents and four children) along with two child houseguests were murdered in their beds. Nobody knows who did it or why. Henry Lee Moore (of no relation) was the suspect due to his similar murders but could not be pinpointed to it whatsoever. The house still stands today and the negative energy permeates the grounds. It's a hotbed for paranormal activity.
Wendigo – Northern Minnesota
The Wendigo is a creature derived from Native American folklore. According to the legends, these creatures are shapeshifters that are a whopping 15-feet tall in their true form. Local tribes attempted to hunt the beasts but could never catch it. The lore says that a Wendigo is actually a human who resorted to cannibalism and evolved into this evil creature.
The Goatman – Prince George’s County, MD
The Goatman (half-man, half-goat) is known to chase people down in popular areas like Lovers Lane and Crybaby Bridge. Local lore claims that this beast was created by the USDA in their Beltsville Research Agricultural Center. People took this theory and ran with it... So much so that the USDA had to send out a statement claiming that they had nothing to do with the myth! Or, so they say.
Goody Cole – Hampton, NH
Eunice "Goody" Cole was sadly another victim of the witch hunt in the 1600s. Locals in her town took it upon themselves to stab her through the heart with a wooden stake. They needed to make sure her heart was injured so that she wouldn't come back and terrorize them from the dead. Apparently, after her death, bizarre events began to take place. Some people claimed that she was attacking those who had killed her.
The Candy Lady – Terrell, TX
The Candy Lady will leave candy on the edge of children's windowsills in attempts to lure them out of their warm beds. Once the bait is successfully taken, she kidnaps them back into the woods where she pulls out their teeth and stabs them in the eyes. The legend was derived from the true story of Clara Crane, who murdered her husband by poisoning his candy. She was sent to a mental institution as she wasn't fit enough for prison.
Annabelle The Doll – Monroe, CT
The star of The Conjuring series is all too real. Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll who is apparently possessed by an evil entity. Notable paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren owned her during the peak of her evil and ended up locking her up in their museum. Many people feel uneasy around her and are afraid of her capabilities. Ed and Lorraine have both passed on from old age, but their son-in-law continues to look after their artifacts.
Slaughterhouse Canyon – Kingman, AZ
Kingman, Arizona was a hub during the gold rush of the 1800s. Many families moved out to the desert in an attempt to find some gold and to profit. The patriarch of one family ended up going missing, leaving his family to completely fend for themselves. They ended up starving and going insane. Locals say that the mother, in a crazed stupor, put on her wedding dress and murdered their children with an ax. The cabin that they lived in still stands.
Dead Children’s Playground – Huntsville, AL
Drost Park is located smack in the middle of an old cemetery in the small town of Huntsville, Alabama. Locals call it Dead Children's playground due to the fact that, of course, dead children haunting the grounds. In the 1960s, the town faced an episode of kidnappings. Many of the children were found dead and buried in shallow, unmarked graves at the cemetery. The disembodied sound of children's voices can be heard throughout the playground.
The Bell Witch – Tennesse
The Bell Witch, sometimes mistaken for the Blair Witch, began her rule over a family back in the 1600s. It began when a man named John Bell shot a "rabbit-dog creature" in his backyard. He didn't think much of it until his family began to experience tapping on doors and windows, sheets being ripped off of their beds in the middle of the night, and random voices permeating their home. President Andrew Jackson even visited the family, who was national news because of the haunting, and he ran out of there without saying why. Apparently, the Bell witch caused John to commit suicide.
Black-Eyed Children – Texas
Even though Black-Eyed Children have been spotted all over the country, the very first report allegedly came from a small town in Texas. In 1996, a reporter pulled into a movie theater parking lot. He was approached by two children who knocked on his window. They asked him for a ride home and said that they didn't have a gun. Alarmed at the mention of the gun, he made a move to leave. That's when he saw their eyes. He said they were, “the sort of eyes one sees these days on aliens or bargain-basement vampires on late-night television.”
The Cursed Pillar – Augusta, GA
Yes, Georgia is the home to a paranormal hotspot (basically all of Savannah) but the cursed pillar is something that needs to be talked about. The lore says that a preacher wanted to deliver a sermon next to this pillow and was not allowed by the city government. He then cursed the town and forewarned that it would be destroyed. Soon after, a tornado ravaged the down and destroyed most of it, but the pillar remained.
The Dark Watchers – Santa Lucia Mountains, CA
The Dark Watchers reside high in the mountains of California. Witnesses claimed that they lack facial features and any other identifying bodily features. They wear a brimmed hat and hold walking sticks. They can usually be spotted in the dead of night, but no one has ever really encountered one. They like to watch hikers and travelers but never cause any harm.
Dog Boy – Quitman, AR
Gerald Bettis was a young boy who lived with his abusive parents in Arkansas. The legend says that they put him through horrific human experiments, similar to the ones conducted at Auschwitz. Years later, neighbors noticed that the boy was never seen outdoors. At the same time, they claimed to have seen a ghostly wolf boy walking past the windows of the tiny yellow home.
The Devil’s Chair – Cassadaga, FL
Maybe the Devil's Chair isn't made of bones and flames... Maybe it's just a brick seat located in Cassadaga, Florida. Apparently, if you sit on this little brick chair the Devil will whisper evil things in your ear that will change you completely. Others have been completely tortured while sitting in the chair, almost to the point of them not being able to get off on their own.
The Ghost Boy of Clinton Road – Passaic County, NJ
All of these legends so far have been a bit scary, but you don't need to fear the Ghost Boy of Clinton Road. He will gladly return any coins you throw into the river. Apparently, he's quite the talker. Locals say that if you are quiet enough, you can hear his tiny voice talking to you.
The Phantom Jogger of Canyon Hill – Idaho
Being stuck in a jogging loop for the rest of eternity sounds terrible, doesn't it? According to the locals near Canyon Hill in Idaho, there's a poor specter who can't seem to catch its breath. Apparently, the phantom can be seen running along the popular trail late at night. Some people claimed that the phantom walked up and knocked on their car window before quickly disappearing.
Kushtaka – Southern Alaska
A Kushtaka is described by Southern Alaskans as a shape-shifting creature that is a cross between an otter and a human. They make quiet noises that mimic child voices in attempts to lure fishermen closer in. It's unclear what they do once they successfully lure the poor souls into their traps... They are also quite the tricksters.
Night Marchers – Hawaii
Hawaiin locals claim to see warriors march through waters of old battlefields. Back in the day, warriors used to march through bodies of water to worship Gods. Sometimes, they can even be heard chanting into the night. Some locals have claimed to hear the haunting ancient conch shell whistle that was meant to start a battle.
The Spiteful Mermaid of Pyramid Lake – Pyramid Lake, NV
Native American tribes were centered around Pyramid Lake in Nevada. A man from the Paiute tribe claimed that he fell in love with a mermaid in the lake. His tribe rejected his love and ordered him to stay away from her. In anger, the mermaid cursed the lake. Using her mystical powers, she lured the tribe over and began a war between them and the mermaids of the lake. Locals say the curse lives on as many people drown in the lake.
Riverdale Road – Thorton, CO
Riverdale Road is the perfect spooky adventure when a full moon takes up the sky. Locals have claimed to see hanging bodies from the trees and a Lady in White walking along the shoulder. There is a mansion along the road that used to house a Satanic cult... Many believe that they are the reason for these horrific sights.
Ghost Elephants – Forest Park, IL
Back in 1918, a train carrying multiple circus cars crashed. Tragically, many people and animals were killed in the accident, including prized circus elephants. Locals believe that the spirits of the elephants remain near the cemetery and show up late at night. Apparently, a ghost elephant isn't very weird to the folks of Forest Park.
Colonel Buck’s Tomb – Bucksport, ME
According to the story, Colonel Buck got a woman pregnant and made her raise the child on her own. Later in life, she was burned at the stake because she was accused of witchcraft. Their son was in the crowd during her execution. He ran up and stole her leg and ran to the cemetery where his father was buried. He slapped her leg onto the headstone to curse his father for eternity. The stain is apparently her leg.
The Phantom Hitchhiker of Black Horse Lake – Cascade County, MT
Along the road near Black Horse Lake, a Native American hitchhiker flags down cars in an attempt to hitch a ride. He's wearing a baggy jacket and an old pair of jeans. Once the man gets in and the driver begins to head down the road, the man disappears from the seat. Others have said that the man will chase down the cars that don't stop for him.
The Men In Black – Beaver, OK
Apparently, Oklahoma has its very own Bermuda Triangle. There have been dozens of bizarre disappearances at Beaver Dunes Park for years. Archaeologists who visited the town claimed that bizarre "government officials" chased them away. Some believe that they were the Men in Black.
La Mala Hora – New Mexico
La Mala Hora haunts New Mexico during the witching hour seemingly every night. She tends to stalk people who are driving alone in the country backroads. Apparently, she can make people go insane... Those who see her go crazy soon after their encounter and sometimes die.
Walking Sam – Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD
Walking Sam is a popular urban legend that originated at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The legend says that Walking Sam is seven-feet-tall and can be seen wandering aimlessly around the reservation. Statistics say that there is a high rate of suicides in the area... Locals think that Walking Sam collects the lost souls.
Charlie No-Face – Pittsburgh, PA
Weirdly enough, Charlie No-Face isn't actually just an urban legend... He's a real person. Charlie was a man who was horrifically disfigured in an accident. He liked to walk around at night so he wouldn't scare anyone. Sadly, those who did see him assumed that he was a monster and concocted the urban legend. He was never described as violent in the stories, just scary.
The Rougarou – Acadiana, LA
Louisiana locals have seen a white werewolf roaming around their classic swamps. The legend of the Rougarou transcends generations, so parents of today have adapted it in an attempt to keep their kids well behaved. “Don’t sneak candy, or the Rougarou will get you!”
Skinned Tom – Walland, TN
Skinned Tom's legend began when a man was allegedly murdered by a woman's husband after they were caught having an affair. According to the story, the husband skinned the man alive. Now, he walks around in agony without any of his skin.
Radioactive Hornets – Nebraska
This one is a bit of a wild one. There are rumors in small Nebraskan towns that radioactive hornets are living underneath the soil. The myth stems from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and that the hornets were birthed through the radioactive explosion.
The Loveland Frog – Loveland, OH
There is a weird humanoid frog that is running rampant in certain parts of Ohio. The Loveland Frog is only four feet tall and is bipedal, meaning that he walks on two legs. According to alleged witnesses, he waves a wand over his head to try and scare off humans.
Mercy Brown, The Vampire – Bucksport, RI
Tuberculosis was running rampant in 1892. 19-year-old Mercy Brown contracted the disease and quickly perished from it. An autopsy report noted that she was not decomposing like other victims and that her body stayed "fresh." Obviously, people talk, and this news spread quickly throughout the town. Locals said that she was a vampire.
The Curse of Escalante Petrified Forest – Escalante, UT
Travelers frequently visit this forest to check out the incredible petrified wood. Locals in the area always warn visitors never to take the wood from the forest... But of course, people do it anyway. The National Parks division that this in charge of this park receives dozens of packages per year from thieves returning the wood. Apparently, if you steal the wood, tragedy will strike in your life.
Corpse Light – Cape Henlopen, DE
Despite lacking a lighthouse, this small Delaware town is plagued by a phantom light. This light has taken down plenty of boats as it confuses operators. According to the legend, the light is a curse from a Native American tribe after British soldiers slaughtered members of the tribe at a wedding.
Cropsey – Staten Island, NY
Cropsey was originally an urban legend and eventually manifested into a true story. The legend was about a man with a hook for a hand who was an escaped mental patient. He liked to kidnap and kill children. In the 70s, children of a Staten Island neighborhood began going missing. Eventually, their bodies were found, and Andre Rand was convicted of the murders.
Boo Hags – Southern Coastal, SC
The Boo Hag runs rampant in South Carolina. They are evil souls who jump back and forth between the living world and the underworld. They tend to take the form of a skinless vampire. Some people call them witches. Since they have no skin, they like to steal the skin of living humans.
The Kentucky Goblins – Hopkinsville, KY
These creepy little goblins tend to run around in groups. Locals have witnessed them in packs running through farming fields. They are green, hairless, and only have three toes.
The Nain Rouge – Detroit, MI
The citizens of Detroit truly subscribe to the idea of the Nain Rouge. They have claimed to see this creature during the worst disasters. Its first appearance was in 1805 during a fire that leveled the entire city. The next sighting was 1968 during horrible riots. After that, it was spotted in 1976 during an ice storm that ravaged the city. Every year, the city hosts a banishment parade to keep it from returning.
Mercritis – Mississippi
Mecrititis was a disease that plagued the rural part of Mississippi. Men who consumed too much lead would produce a smell that would make women go into a homicidal rage... Many people think that this disease was manufactured by the government.
The White Things – West Virginia
The White Things are basically just that... White Things. People who have claimed to see them say that they are dog-like creatures with thick white fur. Some have claimed that they can be as big as a lion!
The Gateway to Hell – Stull, KS
Folks in Kansas seem to believe that they have their very own gateway to the underworld. Every Halloween, the underground staircase in Stull, Kansas allegedly opens up to the gates of hell.
Zombie Road – Wildwood, MO
Zombie Road wasn't given that name because Zombies roam it, but because many people seem to die along the trail. A common manner of death is drowning in a nearby river. There are some suicides as well. It's unclear why death is drawn to this place, but locals have said that the energy is palpable.
The Vampire Beast of Bladenboro – Bladenboro, NC
Back in the 1950s, farmers began experiencing deaths of their livestock at vicious rates. The farmers would wake up in the morning to find multiple animals slaughtered and completely drained of blood. Some farmers even claimed to have seen the vampire beast in action, but there hasn't been any proof...
The Platte River Ship – Platte River, WY
The Platte River ship is a ghostly vessel that can be seen on the horizon of the Platte River by folks on the shoreline. The legend says that witnesses can see ghostly crew members standing on board.
Pukwudgies – Hockomock Swamp, MA
Pukwudgies are basically little goblin gremlins that crawl around in the dead of night. The urban legend claims that they are "bipedal porcupines" who try to lure people off to their deaths. It's unclear where the legend originated from, but parents in Southeastern Massachusettes use the legend to keep their kids in the house late at night.
The Bunny Man – Clifton, VA
A bus that was transferred asylum patients crashed in this unassuming tunnel one Halloween night. One of the patients ended up escaping before they could catch him and was never found again. In the years following the crash, skinned and half-eaten rabbits were found hanging from the trees near the tunnels. Locals believe that the patient, known as The Bunny Man, was living off of these rabbits in the nearby woods.
Caddy of Cadboro Bay – Cadboro Bay, WA
The monster in Cadboro Bay can be hard to see, but older locals swear that it's there. Caddy is similar to Nessy of Loch Ness. It just swims around without causing harm to humans, but it's extremely hard to find.
The Rhinelander Hodag – Rhinelander, WI
This is apparently a monster that locals in Rhinelander have seen... The Rhinelander Hodag has been described as a "stumpy and ugly" creature that likes to eat dogs. No, thanks.
The Green Clawed Beast In The Ohio River – Quitman, IN
The Green Clawed Beast resembles a swamp monster, but folks in Quitman, Indiana would disagree that their monster is anything like the classic swamp monster. This creature has extremely hairy arms and sharp, pointy claws with green skin. Apparently, it likes to grab women and drag them into the river.
The Bandaged Man – Cannon Beach, OR
The Bandaged Man urban legend originated at this abandoned logging mill. According to the legend, a logger had an accident at the mill and was skinned alive. Teenagers who break into the abandoned mill have claimed to see a skinless, loosely bandaged man hiding out in the corners. He gives off a putrid rotting flesh smell.
The Miniwashitu – Missouri River, ND
The Miniwashitu looks like a bison but with "human" properties. It's unclear where it originated or what it wants, but people have said that if you are unlucky enough to cross its path, you will go insane.
Deep Frozen Folks – Montpelier, VT
The Deep Frozen Folks of Vermont are ordinary people who have been frozen in the Vermont wilderness. Apparently, people would freeze their elderly relatives and thaw them out in the spring... Only in Vermont!
Skinwalkers – Arizona
Skinwalkers appear all over the country but are centralized in Arizona. They are naked, skinless creatures that will stalk lonesome people in the dead of night. Of course, they will try and rip your skin off. Native American tales say that Skinwalkers used to be witch doctors in life and then became a reflection of that "evil" in death.
Bonus: Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary is one of the most told urban legends of all time. Every kid has played this game at a sleepover once or twice! According to the legend, you must look into the bathroom mirror with all of the lights off and the door locked. Then, you say her name three times and she will appear and kill you... If it works.
Bonus: The Hookman
The Hookman is pretty simple. He is a man with a hook for a hand. He wanders around at night, flighting his hook at any passersby with the threat of killing them. He's also known to attack canoodling teenagers in cars.
Bonus: Slenderman
Slenderman was originally a creepypasta story that took over the urban legend community. In the story, he is a thin, tall man with a stark white and featureless face. He wears a black suit and abducts children.
Bonus: Chupacabra
Many people, especially farmers, believe that Chupacabra are real. They are tiny creatures that suck the blood out of livestock, usually cows. Many people have reported seeing an unknown creature running around the farm around the same time that their livestock was mutilated.
Bonus: Sewer Alligator
Sewer gators are definitely myths, but it's easy to believe in NYC. There are stories of alligators roaming around in the sewers and that they are radioactive due to the nasty pollution.