Ten of the creepiest American urban legends. Urban legends of the USA: who are residents of different states afraid of? Watermelon heads, Ohio

Admit it, many of you are not averse to tickling your nerves by reading creepy urban legends. Moreover, Halloween not far off. In anticipation of it, we prepared one creepy story from each state. Let's start alphabetically - with Idaho, Iowa, Alabama, Alaska and Arizona.

Idaho: Water Babies

The Native American legend of mer-babies is found in several places in America, but is most common in Pocatello at Massacre Rocks Natural Park.

So, one day a severe famine came to the lands of the Shoshone tribe. Mothers, in desperation, drowned their children in the river so as not to see them die a slow death of starvation.

Some Idaho residents claim that if you sit on a rock near the river at Massacre Rocks, you will hear the cries of babies. Others say: these children have grown gills and fins and are now taking revenge by luring victims to the depths.

Iowa: Black Angel

The Black Angel is a 2.5 meter tall statue in Oakland Cemetery. It is shrouded in gloomy legends, probably because of its dark color.

According to one belief, pregnant women should not pass under the statue, otherwise they will lose their child. Others warn: if you touch or kiss (by the way, why?!) the statue, you will die within the next six months.

Be that as it may, the statue is truly gloomy. But what other monuments should there be in cemeteries?

Alabama: Hell's Gate Bridge

The history of this bridge in the town of Oxford dates back to the 1950s. One day a car fell off a bridge into the river. The boy and girl who were in it drowned.

Since then, 2 urban legends have been associated with the bridge. The first one says: if you drive your car into the middle of the bridge and turn off the headlights, the drowned couple will appear inside the car and leave wet marks on the seats. Second: if you, driving across the bridge, look back halfway, the landscape behind you will turn into a portal engulfed in flames.

Probably, in order to protect home-grown ghost hunters from such “checks,” the bridge was closed to traffic. And it is not recommended to walk on it - the structure is very dilapidated.

Alaska: evil spirits of kushtaka

Everyone knows about the ominous Bermuda Triangle, but perhaps you had no idea that Alaska is itself a Bermuda Triangle.

According to an LA Times study, Alaska has the highest percentage of missing people.

And although many reasonably believe that in the harsh northern state it is very easy to get lost and disappear without a trace, the Tlingit Indians living in Juneau have their own explanation.

Tlingits believe in kushtaka- evil spirits. Kushtakas know how to take human form and lure people into lost places with their sweet voice.

Arizona: Ghosts of Slaughterhouse Canyon

This legend originated during the Gold Rush.

Once upon a time there lived a very poor family in the canyon. One day, the father went to wander around the canyon in the hope of finding at least some food for his children and wife - and did not return. The family was slowly dying of hunger. No longer able to listen to the hungry children's moans, the mother put on a wedding dress, killed the babies and threw their bodies into the river, and the next day she died.

And now, local residents say, at night the blood-curdling screams of a mother who has lost her mind can be heard in the canyon.

The creepiest urban legends in the USA. Part 1: Idaho, Iowa, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona updated: August 20, 2019 by: Alina Dykhman

Mythology of the Americas: Central America

At the time of the Spanish conquest of America, the largest peoples of the central part of the continent were the Aztecs, Toltecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs and Mayans.

The mythology of the Indian peoples of America is very archaic. Among the most ancient are the myths about maize, which the Indians of Central America began cultivating around 5 thousand years BC. Myths about the creation of fire and the origin of people and animals are also considered very ancient. Later, myths arose about plants, good spirits and the origin of the Universe.

Belief in the main goddess of Central America, whose name remains unknown, dates back to ancient times. Scientists call her the “goddess with braids” after the many cult figurines found by archaeologists.

The Olmec Indians widely spread the cult of the jaguar, which protected crops from herbivores.

One day, during a big holiday, the queen took a fancy to a young and handsome warrior. They fell in love with each other and did not hide their love, laughing at the king’s ignorance. Eventually the king found out about their love affairs and hastened to take them by surprise.

The New World and America in particular are rich in their legends and beliefs, which are both similar and different from the legends and fairy tales of Europe. We are talking about such a concept as urban legends.

This interesting and specific phenomenon is full of mystical aspects. It contains both fiction and legends that arose on a real basis.

If you are interested in learning more about them and, in particular, reading about some of them, then this and perhaps a series of subsequent articles dedicated to American urban legends will help you.

General information

The appearance of European colonies in North America and the gradual settlement of the continent led to the arrival of many cultures with their own traditions and legends. But at the same time, its own special local culture began to take shape quite quickly. And along with it, amazing legends began to appear.

Some incident, sometimes the most ordinary, and sometimes mystical and mysterious, gave rise to a legend. Some such legends began to spread throughout America and beyond. While others remained locally popular only in a certain area.

First US urban legends began to appear already in the first years after the start of colonization, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries their number grew very quickly, because today every town and every state can boast of more than a dozen such legends.

Types of Legends

It should be noted that American urban legends can be divided into several quite traditional types. Namely:

1. Legends about real people and events. This type of legend includes legends about bandits and mafiosi. And about famous sheriffs and other representatives of the law. And even about politicians and presidents.
2. Mystical legends. Ghosts, werewolves, monsters, and much, much more are included in this vast group.
3. Legends associated with the indigenous people of America. They often have mystical shades, but also have their own specifics. Since they are associated with the traditions and beliefs of the Indians.
4. Legends related to extraterrestrial contacts, UFO sightings, alien abductions, etc.
5. Modified legends that came from other countries. And not only European, but also African, Arab Far Eastern, etc.

Often there are legends that combine all or several types at once. But it’s better to move on from discussing their types to the legends themselves, isn’t it?

Among the many hundreds of interesting legends, we would first of all like to draw the attention of readers to the following:

— The Legend of the Maryland Goatman. This mythical creature has a human body, but the head of a goat. Versions of its origin are very different, from unfortunate genetic excrement to mystical origins. According to legends, he wanders around the city at night. Sometimes he is credited with attacking animals and even people.

— The Legend of the Zodiac Killer. The real maniac was never caught and over the years of his activity and subsequent investigation became an almost legendary figure. There are a lot of myths associated with him, his personality and behavior.

They say he was responsible for 37 murders, although the police only investigated 7 of them. He carried out his atrocities in the 60s of the last century in the state of California. Some legends associated with it speak of its mystical nature. But the majority still considers him just a very smart and cruel madman.

— The Muhlenberg Legend- a very interesting political urban legend that arose, according to historians, in 1840. It says that German could become the official language in the United States. Only one vote was needed for this bill to be passed. According to legend, Frederick Muhlenberg, who came from a German family, voted against. It is historically noted that, although there was some background behind it, Muhlenberg himself had nothing to do with it.

— Kidnapping of the Hill couple- a legend of ufological nature about a married couple living in Portsmouth. It is one of the most famous in the history of American ufology.

— The Green Man, aka Charlie without a Face, is a character from urban legends in Pennsylvania. His real-life prototype is Raymond Robinson. The man received terrible electrical injuries to his face as a child.

He preferred night walks, which is not surprising, and many people he met were frightened when they saw such a nocturnal traveler, and then they talked about the meeting, embellishing them with terrible details. As a result, the Green Man in legends turned into a terrible monster.

— Case at Kelly-Hopkinsville– this story is considered at least partly true. The Sutton family of farmers, who were hosting guests together, saw unknown creatures appear in their yard. A silvery round object was observed in the sky above the house.

An hour later, humanoid creatures appeared in the courtyard of the house, approximately 4 feet tall. They had large glowing eyes on large heads and two ears a little like a cat's, the creatures had long claws and quite frightened the inhabitants of the farm. But everyone survived.

— - this urban legend is widespread not only in the USA, but also in other English-speaking countries. Here and there you can hear stories about meeting strange children or teenagers. They have slightly pale skin, sometimes adult, calm voices, and most importantly, completely black eyes without pupils or irises. When looking at them, a person experiences animal horror.

— The Witch of Ringtown- mystical murder. A Pennsylvania urban legend with some basis. Nellie Knoll, who considers herself a witch, convinced the young man John Blymire that he was under a curse. As a result, he and his two friends entered the house of the cursed man and tried to steal the book of spells. But in the end, without finding him, they killed the owner. For which they were later convicted.

Many believe that the actions of young people were controlled by a witch through witchcraft.

There are many other interesting American urban legends. It is quite possible that we will talk about them in our subsequent articles.

In the eyes of foreigners, any country is shrouded in an aura of prejudice, stereotypes and speculation: in Russia they wear earflaps and train bears, in France they eat frogs, in England everyone drinks tea at 5 pm.

The USA is no exception. They, too, are surrounded by myths and legends, which, upon closer examination, have very little in common with reality.

Myth No. 1. Americans are a nationality.
An interesting fact: if you say the words “America and Americans” in society, 100% of those present will think about the United States and its population, despite the fact that America consists of two continents, dozens of countries and millions of inhabitants.
The population of the United States, Americans, appears to foreigners as a single whole, one nationality. In fact, the USA is a multinational country, in addition to the descendants of European settlers and African Americans, there are many Indians, Arabs, Chinese, Filipinos, and Latin Americans. Each national group has its own traditions and culture. They are united by the common concept of “US citizen.”

Myth No. 2. Americans always support the decisions of the authorities.
Americans try to follow the letter of the law: if a president is elected, it means that his proposals and decisions are supported by the majority. A minority of the population may disapprove of this choice, but not out loud. In the United States, it is not customary to discuss politics loudly with strangers. There are laws to solve political problems.
Moreover, almost all residents of the United States are ardent patriots. American patriotism has always been at a very high level. It is instilled in citizens from childhood. The most striking example is the military-patriotic movement of scouts.

Myth No. 3. The USA does not have its own culture.
If people in Russia know nothing about American culture, this does not mean that it does not exist. There were and are many talented people in the USA; there are many cultural centers, museums, and institutes in the country. Americans are close to specifics and practicality, but they are also interested in art and literature.

Myth No. 4. There is no national cuisine in the USA.
In ordinary life, the American diet is truly impersonal: hamburgers, pizzas, steaks and other fast food products. However, on special holiday days, every housewife tries to surprise and delight her guests with traditional national dishes, primarily turkey, potato and pumpkin dishes.

Myth No. 5. America is a depraved country.
Free and loose morals are a stereotype of the film industry. In the USA, Puritan worldviews are still strong, the further from big cities, the more so. The country has a ban on alcohol until the age of 21, there is strict censorship of sex scenes in films, and adultery is condemned. In America, you can be put on trial for having sex in the forest with your own wife or for examining a patient who is not dressed in special clothing and is excessively exposed.

Myth No. 6. There are no queues in America.
In this regard, the United States is an ordinary country. They also stand in line at stores, government offices, and amusement parks, wasting a lot of time.

Myth No. 7. Americans are workaholics.
Among the residents of the United States there are workaholics, but not more often than in other countries. The average American works to provide themselves and their families with a decent living. He will work exactly as much as is required to pay for all needs, but no more. If the salary is enough, an American will never take on an additional part-time job; he would rather go on vacation or do charity work.
There is an opinion that in America everyone is obsessed with money, any service must be paid. You should not suspect all US residents of self-interest. The volunteer movement is popular in the country. Selfless help to those in need is prestigious.
Neighbors and acquaintances help each other look after their children, repair their cars, and give each other rides to work, including for free.

Myth No. 8. In the USA, everyone is obsessed with political correctness.
America is a multinational country, and any incorrectness can provoke conflict. That's why Americans prefer prevention to treatment. Naturally, any resident of the United States may have his own racial prejudices, but he will never talk about it out loud.
In addition, feminist movements are strong in the United States. Women in America are in a privileged position. However, while defending her rights, she does not forget to give birth to children (at least 3) and take care of her family.
The most serious problems can arise from sexual harassment. Even a free look or word can be regarded as a violation of the law. Male doctors suffer especially because they are afraid to look at their patients once again: you can only look at the part of the body that hurts, and not a centimeter more.

Myth No. 9. Americans are very fat and eat only fast food.
Today, the United States is the leader in the number of people suffering from obesity. It is worth noting that Russia ranks second.
However, as a rule, those who suffer from excess weight are immigrants who earn little, eat fast food and exercise little. Native Americans typically exercise, eat healthy foods, and lead a healthy lifestyle. In general, sports in the USA are easily accessible, so the movie myth about people jogging in the morning is true.

Myth No. 10. Americans are stupid.
In the USA, as in any other country, there are people who do not know the simplest things. These are mostly Americans from the poorest strata of the population who graduated from not the best schools.
Average Americans who have graduated from a good school and a good university are smart, educated people. They do not like empty talk, they are inquisitive and specific.
Education in the USA is no worse than in Russia, it’s just different: it’s not extended over time, it’s not loaded with general education subjects. At American universities, they study only those subjects that are necessary for the chosen profession and are applicable in life.
The United States ranks first in the number of scientific discoveries; Americans have received the Nobel Prize 326 times (Russians only 27).

Myth No. 11. Americans dress poorly and tastelessly.
Americans know how to be elegant and sophisticated if there is a suitable occasion. Working or shopping is not included in this list.
In ordinary life, American residents dress simply, even casually, and rarely use cosmetics and perfumes. The main criterion when choosing clothes is comfort. People are not embarrassed by their figures or excess weight and wear any clothes they like, regardless of their build.
Her hairstyle and manicure evoke contemptuous glances from surrounding feminists. Few Americans take care of their hair and nails.
The only reason for concern for US residents is a snow-white smile. In America it is common to smile. Therefore, teeth are carefully monitored and cared for.

Myth No. 12. The USA is a country of informers.
In America they really “knock.”
However, if the law is broken, there is no shame in reporting it to the police. Concealing a crime entails serious consequences, including prison.
Denunciations come in different forms and in different situations. Children are taught about honesty and responsibility from childhood, but a sneaky child will always be an outcast. They often knock at work in order to advance their career, especially if such behavior is encouraged by their superiors. Whether friends and neighbors will engage in denunciation depends on them, but more often conflicts can be resolved through negotiations.

Myth No. 13. Americans love to sue.
There is an opinion that Americans are constantly suing and making crazy money from it.
In fact, a lawsuit is an expensive matter, and whether it can be won is unknown. Even a just case can be lost if you get a bad lawyer. It is very difficult to find a lawyer without good financial support and with a questionable outcome of the case; lawyers willingly take on only easy winning claims.
Therefore, few people decide to go to court with real grounds.

Myth No. 14. In the USA there is a cult of family.
Indeed, family means a lot to Americans, but without fanaticism. If possible, all relatives try to get together on holidays and significant dates. However, they also quarrel, swear and stop all communication with each other, just like in any country.

Myth No. 15. All Americans are wealthy people.
The standard of living in America is quite high, however, everything is known in comparison.
The average family has a car, insurance, electronics and the like, as well as bills, loans, daily expenses for food and gasoline, and some money for a rainy day. There is no longer any money left for travel and serious trips. In order to receive an average salary, you need to work at least 8 hours and rarely rest (there are much fewer holidays than in Russia). People from the poor layer of the population work in 2-3 places and, in general, seven days a week.

The USA is a distant, large, multinational and rich country. It has its own cultural and historical characteristics, therefore it arouses constant interest from foreigners and gives rise to many myths.

The Goat Man, the Camaro Ghost and Judge Sneeze - what scares Americans from Florida to Michigan.

Halloween is a holiday of fun, absurdity and, of course, wow! And also the release of the second season of Stranger Things. Especially for the funniest weekend in the USA, we have prepared a selection of tales - urban horror stories that American Boy Scouts still tell each other around the campfire.

Riverdale Road, Colorado

Why it's creepy: The Riverdale Road near Thornton, Colorado, stretches 11 miles (17 kilometers) and is literally teeming with legends that can scare even the most seasoned paranormal investigator. Here we encountered a ghostly runner, a wide variety of demons, and even the ghost of a Chevrolet Camaro. But the strangest place here is the “Gates of Hell”. This is the name of the entrance to the old estate, where, according to legend, the distraught head of the family burned his wife and children alive. The gate itself has long been demolished, the mansion has turned into ruins, but the ashes are still there. A woman in white wanders around it. And the ghosts of slaves allegedly hanged on a tree here. And even a pack of ghost dogs! Some believe that there is a portal to hell here, which is why so much horror is concentrated in such a small area.

Where it came from: It is not known exactly when the numerous local legends originated. Given the history of slave spirits, it is logical to assume that creepy things have happened here since the 50s of the 19th century. Each time something else terrible happened, the legend of it added to the list, which eventually became like a horror show in a provincial amusement park.

Mr. Sneeze, Delaware

Why it's creepy: During colonial times, Samuel Chew was a respected man - the state's chief judge. However, even at that time and in his position, those around him laughed at his last name, pronouncing it as “Sneeze” (“apchhu!” - ah, Chew!). This infuriated the judge so much that even after death he could not calm down, and his spirit still haunts the descendants of his offenders. The ghost appears before his victims in a judge's robe and a starched wig. Those who still find his last name funny have the best chance of seeing him.

Where it came from: Samuel Chew actually served as chief judge of three counties until his death in 1743. The legends surrounding him so disturbed the people of Dover Green that the ghost was even “buried” in an ornate grave. They say that after this he calmed down, but he can still scare the presumptuous lover of phonetic jokes.

Skunk Ape, Florida

Why it's creepy: Florida's Everglades swamps are known for a number of nightmarish creatures and phenomena - man-eating alligators, man-eating snakes, car accidents and highway robberies - that also cause people to die. However, in these places we also encountered something truly strange: a “skunk monkey.” The height of this relative of Bigfoot is from 1.5 to 2 meters, and its weight is about 200 kilograms. You can tell that a skunk monkey is somewhere nearby by its disgusting smell, reminiscent of rotting meat. Skunk monkeys are said to eat berries and small animals, but they have been known to attack wild boars and destroy farms. Recently, a headquarters for the search for this mysterious creature appeared in the Everglades. Of course, it is designed primarily for tourists: at the headquarters you can book a safari in the swamps. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to prove the existence of this beast once and for all.

Where it came from: no one knows for sure. Some believe that this is Bigfoot, who, due to the invasion of civilization, left the mountains for the southern swamps, where it is easier to hide from hunters and find food. Others think it is a tale invented by pioneers to scare away strangers from their lands. No matter what you believe, if you're camping in the Everglades and smell a pungent odor, you'll want to be on the lookout. It could be a skunk monkey.

The Curse of Lake Lanier, Georgia

Why it's creepy: The huge man-made lake north of Atlanta is scary for several reasons. An abnormally large number of boats and swimmers sink on the lake, and inexplicable murders regularly occur along its shores. In the early 90s, a car was found at the bottom with the skeleton of a woman locked in it, who disappeared back in 1958. Since then, eyewitnesses have reported a ghostly female figure that can sometimes be seen above the surface of the water. They also talk about a giant catfish that lives in the depths of the lake. It is rumored to be large enough to swallow a dog and even drown a diver.

Where it came from: The creation of the lake was accompanied by a host of problems associated with the eviction of families and businesses from the territory, which was transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers for development. The ruins of the previous buildings remained at the bottom. The old cemetery was also flooded, which was partly the reason for the lake’s creepy reputation. Of course, most incidents on the lake occur due to the well-known combination of “drinking + swimming = tragedy” (people go to the lake primarily to have fun). However, many deaths remain unexplained, leading one to believe that there is something sinister behind them.

Ghost Runner from Canyon Hill Cemetery, Idaho

Why it's creepy: There are a lot of rumors about ghosts at the old Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho. The most famous of them is "Midnight Runner". This is a legless woman who appears if you park between certain trees near the cemetery. She knocks on the window and then continues her “run,” which looks more like flying. It sounds creepy, but this is far from the worst legend about ghost runners. What about the spirit that shits on lawns?

Where it came from: the origin is unknown, but given another conspiracy legend according to which the state of Idaho does not exist at all, we can assume that this is another government invention.

Goat Man, Maryland

Why it's creepy: The infamous Goat Man from Maryland is said to do everything you'd expect from a crazy half-human, half-animal: killing teenagers, eating dogs, screaming goat, etc. But the most terrifying aspect is how widely replicated it is legend. The US Department of Agriculture was even forced at one point to publicly deny the accidental creation of such a creature at its research center in Beltsville. Another story about the appearance of the goat man tells of a goat breeder who, upon learning that a group of rowdy teenagers had killed his herd, went crazy and turned into a monster.

Where it came from: The Goat Man was first written about by journalist Karen Hosler of the Prince George's County News in 1971. The material was devoted to the study of urban folklore of Maryland and was accompanied by the story of one of the local families about how someone cut off the head of their puppy. Of course, the family - not without the journalist's prompting - blamed the goat man for everything. A month later, The Washington Post published a large article dedicated to this legend. The Goat Man instantly became famous throughout the country. The legend about him remains one of the most popular in the United States. The Goat Man is regularly “meeted,” and notes about him, sometimes incredibly detailed, appear in the Maryland press to this day.

Vampire Saint Germain, Louisiana

Why it's creepy: When it comes to scary things, Louisiana doesn't just rely on voodoo, ghosts and Woody Harrelson's True Detective accent. Jacques Saint-Germain, like any self-respecting vampire, seduced young girls and drank their blood. According to one version, he was born at the beginning of the 18th century. According to another, he lived since the time of Jesus. After his "death" in 1783, he appeared here and there throughout Europe until he moved to New Orleans in 1902. Rumor has it that he still plies his murderous deeds in the city's French Quarter, but now calls himself Jack.

Where it came from: The Comte de Saint-Germain was a real person, an alchemist and a real high-society snob who was friends with all the celebrities of his time. He communicated with Louis XV, Catherine the Great and Voltaire. The latter called him “an immortal man who knows everything.” He was even suspected of a series of murders. Besides, he never ate in public. In the 1970s, French showman Richard Chenfray declared that he was the immortal Saint Germain. However, less than 10 years later, Chenfrey died of a drug overdose. Or not?

Dog Boy, Arkansas

Why it's creepy: This character's name might sound stupid. However, you will not be laughing if in the town of Quitman, Arkansas, you suddenly see the silhouette of a 140-pound half-man, half-beast with glowing eyes in the window of house 65 on Mulberry Street. In this case, it is better to get out of there as soon as possible, because he has a habit of chasing people on the street, biting their legs like a dog.

Where it came from: The real story behind this legend is much darker. Gerald Bettis, the only son of the Bettis family at 65 Mulberry Street, was always a troubled child. But not like in the movie “Problem Child.” As a child, Bettis tortured animals (hence his nickname, Dog Boy). As he grew older, his sociopathy spilled over into his elderly parents. He did not let them leave the house. Rumor has it that he killed his father. Bettis was eventually arrested for growing marijuana in his backyard. He died in prison from a drug overdose in 1988.

Hell's Bridge, Michigan

Why it's creepy: The Michigan legends of Detroit's Red Dwarf or the Dog Warriors are no match for the story of Elias Friske, the crazy old preacher who is said to have tortured children in the woods that are now Algoma. He kept his victims tied up and killed one by one. He drowned the remains in Cedar Creek. When the parents of the victims caught him, he said that he was possessed by demons. This did not stop his parents from hanging him. Hell's Bridge is a narrow crossing over a stream in the middle of the woods. Those who dare to cross it at night can hear the screams of the victims of the mad preacher, and sometimes see his black figure with glowing eyes.

Where it came from: There is no record of Elias Frisk in official state records, although such a family is known to have lived here in the early 1910s. However, everyone who has been on the bridge agrees that there is something there - and it most often makes itself felt at night.

Three-Legged Lady of Nash Road, Mississippi

Why it's creepy: in general, if someone strange starts running after your car at night, it's always annoying. It’s even worse if at the same time they knock on the body of the car. But when the pursuer turns out to be a woman with three legs, and the extra one is a bloody stump sewn to her body, it’s truly scary. According to legend, it can be found on a section of Nash Road near Columbus.

Where It Comes From: Mississippi has plenty of ghost stories, from Robert Johnson who sold his soul to the Yazu Witch. The story of the Three-Legged Lady is interesting because it changes depending on the fears of the narrator. Some say the extra leg belongs to a murdered lover. According to another version, this is the ghost of a woman who was looking for her missing daughter, but found only her dismembered body. Still others believe that if you meet the Three-Legged Lady, you will have to overtake her on the nearest bridge. In any case, if you turn off your headlights on Nash Road at night, you run the risk of encountering a ghost in person.

Area 51, Nevada

Why it's (still) creepy: The story of Area 51 has been told (sometimes in a humorous way) so many times that it's become easy to forget how disturbing the whole situation was in the first place. However, government silence, dead aliens and sinister experiments in desert Nevada look more disturbing than the movies about it. There is a lot of speculation about what is really going on at Area 51. They talk about time travel, genetic experiments, and autopsies of aliens. However, no one except the authorities knows the truth.

Where it came from: First of all, it’s worth remembering that Area 51 really exists. This is a well-equipped military base in southern Nevada. However, its purpose is unknown to anyone. At the very beginning of the Cold War, in the 1950s, President Eisenhower approved a plan to build the first aircraft based on stealth technology, the U-2. The laboratories and test airfield were located in the area that later became known as Area 51. The experimental plane resembled a UFO. Local residents who saw his flights, of course, built theories about his extraterrestrial origin, which immediately hit the press. The scandal was further fueled by news of a “UFO crash” in Roswell. Since then, Area 51 has been the center of conspiracy theories around the US government.

Watermelon Heads, Ohio

Why it's creepy: Watermelon Heads might be a good name for a dessert. However, the legend behind this name is much darker: it talks about pale, sick children who were subjected to genetic experiments. They are reputed to have huge heads and sharp teeth, perfect for tearing apart babies (and maybe you). Doesn't sound like dessert at all.

Where it comes from: Similar stories exist in Michigan and Connecticut, but Ohio's version is the darkest. According to this legend, the Watermelon Heads are the adopted children of a certain doctor who tested new surgical and pharmaceutical treatments on them. It didn't turn out very well. Now the test subjects hunt in the forests of Kirkland, ready to flay the skin of any random passerby. According to other versions, children simply run away when they see strangers. Finally, some consider them to be ordinary ghosts. One thing is for sure: one super-low-budget horror film was made based on this legend.

Hobo Sam, South Dakota

Why it's creepy: In December 2014, a wave of suicide attempts swept through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota - a total of 103 cases occurred. The incident is associated with the legend of Hobo Sam. Teenagers who tried to commit suicide said that a tall and thin figure appeared to them, who called himself Sam and demanded to kill himself (reminds me of nothing?). A year earlier, five members of the Oglala Sioux tribe committed suicide. In 2015, the head of the tribe posted on Facebook a photo from a local forest with already prepared loops on the trees. This is how the plan for mass teenage suicide was revealed.

Where did it come from: the figure of Hobo Sam also references the legends of the Boogeyman, which still work today - just remember the Slenderman hysteria in 2008. The idea of ​​the “shadow people” is also so old that it is difficult to find its origin. However, Hobo Sam himself is a relatively new local legend of the Lakota and Dakota Indian tribes. Journalist Peter Matthiesen first wrote about Sam in 1980 in his article “The Spirit of the Crazy Horse.” According to the material, Sam was first seen by Indians from the Sioux and Little Eagle tribes. The Tramp is sometimes called taku-he or "Bigfoot with a Straw Hat."

Rabbit Bridge, Virginia

Why it's creepy: This legend is fun to retell at night around the campfire, but the real events behind it are truly scary. In the 1970s, police repeatedly reported people being threatened by an axe-wielding man dressed in a bunny suit. Some eyewitnesses said that he threw his ax at them. There are still frequent reports of dead rabbits being found in the woods around the Fairfax Bridge, also known as the Rabbit Bridge. They also talk about a man in white who was seen under the bridge.

Where it came from: According to legend, in 1904, a group of prisoners were bused from a mental hospital in Clifton, Virginia, to a nearby prison. On the way, the bus overturned, many prisoners died, but some managed to escape. The next day, the police began searching for the fugitives, and caught all but one. During further searches, police began to find gnawed carcasses of rabbits in the woods near the Fairfax Bridge, but they were unable to catch the one who ate them. A year later, on Halloween night, a group of teenagers went under a bridge to spend time away from their parents. The next morning they were found hanging from the bridge supports. Since then, it has been believed that anyone who finds themselves under the bridge that night will face imminent death.

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