Showing posts with label Legends & Lore. Show all posts

The Haunting of McMenamins Edgefield — Former Poor Farm & Haunted Hotel

Troutdale, Multnomah County, Oregon

Photo: Wikipedia

On the shores of Sandy River, just outside Portland, Oregon, sits a sprawling historic complex known today as McMenamins Edgefield. Once the Multnomah County Poor Farm, Edgefield has stood for more than a century as a place where the burdens of life, hardship, and even death have left their mark on the land. With its long, complex history and countless reported supernatural encounters, Edgefield has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s most talked‑about haunted locations.

From Poor Farm to Entertainment Landmark

The roots of Edgefield date back to 1911, when the Multnomah County Poor Farm was established to care for the indigent, sick, elderly, and mentally ill residents of the Portland area. Entire families were sent here to live and work the 345‑acre property, producing crops and caring for livestock in exchange for room and board. At its peak, more than 600 residents called the farm home, many suffering from chronic illness or untreated conditions.

Over the following decades, the property evolved: it became a nursing home, veterans’ facility, and infirmary before falling into disrepair in the 1980s. Local preservationists convinced county officials that the historic structures needed to be saved, and in 1990 the farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That same year, the McMenamins brothers purchased the property and began restoring it to become the vibrant entertainment, lodging, and event venue it is today — complete with restaurants, pubs, gardens, a movie theater, golf course, wedding venues, and hotel lodging.

Why Edgefield Is Considered Haunted

The property’s long use as a poor farm and institutional residence means thousands of lives — many filled with hardship, sorrow, and even premature death — passed through its buildings. It’s perhaps no surprise that many believe the energy of those decades remains embedded in the halls and rooms of Edgefield.

Guests and staff have reported numerous eerie experiences throughout the hotel and lodge buildings, including:

Eerie Voices & Whispers: Some guests report hearing disembodied voices, cries, or whispers, especially late at night or in empty hallways. One story tells of a woman on the upper floors singing or comforting a crying child at midnight.

Unseen Touches: Visitors have described the sensation of invisible hands pushing against shoulders, backs, or chests as they walk through the corridors.

Apparitions: Some witnesses claim to see figures — such as a small child running down a hallway or a woman dressed in period clothing — that disappear when approached.

Unexplained Sounds: Footsteps, doors opening or closing on their own, and sudden cold spots have all been attributed to paranormal activity by guests and staff alike.

One particularly chilling discovery occurred during renovations when workers found animal bones arranged in a pentagram‑like pattern in one of the rooms. While there’s no definitive explanation for the bones or their arrangement, the finding contributed to Edgefield’s already eerie reputation.

Local lore also speaks of unmarked graves across the property — including those of a young mother and her child who reportedly succumbed to illness and were buried on site. Some believe their spirits still wander, drawn to the land where they spent their final days.

Edgefield Today

Today, Edgefield is both a thriving entertainment destination and a magnet for ghost enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy fine dining, listen to live music, play golf, relax in gardens, or spend the night in one of the historic buildings. Yet for many, the supernatural experiences — whether subtle or spine‑tingling — are part of what makes Edgefield so unforgettable.

Whether you chalk it up to suggestion, imagination, or something truly unexplained, there’s no denying that thousands of lives and stories are wrapped up in this Oregon landmark. And some say the spirits of Edgefield’s past are still very much present.

The Haunting of The Devil’s Tree in New Jersey

Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey

Photo: Wikipedia

Standing alone in a quiet stretch of land in Somerset County is a solitary oak tree that locals have avoided for generations. Known simply as The Devil’s Tree, it carries a reputation far heavier than its branches. While it looks unremarkable at first glance, stories surrounding the tree have turned it into one of New Jersey’s most unsettling legends.

The tree’s isolation is part of what makes it unsettling. Unlike a forest where trees blend together, the Devil’s Tree stands apart, exposed and singular, drawing attention in a way that feels intentional. Over time, this lone presence has become the center of whispered warnings and uneasy folklore.

A History Wrapped in Legend

Several versions of the Devil’s Tree story have circulated for decades. One of the most frequently repeated claims is that the surrounding land was once used for violent acts, including executions or lynchings. According to legend, the suffering that occurred there permanently marked the tree and the ground beneath it.

Another version of the story tells of a local man who allegedly murdered his family and then took his own life by hanging himself from the tree. In some tellings, he cursed the land with his final breath, binding something dark to the oak that has never fully left.

As with many long-standing legends, there is no definitive historical record confirming these events took place at this exact location. However, the persistence of the stories — passed down through generations — has cemented the Devil’s Tree as a place people instinctively avoid.

Photo: Devil's Tree, by Sam O’Brien

Warnings and Unexplained Misfortune

Local folklore strongly warns against damaging the tree in any way. Those who have attempted to carve into the bark, break branches, or cut the tree down are said to have suffered immediate misfortune afterward. Reports include vehicles stalling or crashing shortly after leaving the area, unexplained injuries, and a sudden string of bad luck that begins the same day.

Because of repeated vandalism over the years, protective measures were eventually placed around the base of the tree. Even so, stories of consequences have continued to circulate, reinforcing the belief that the Devil’s Tree is not something to be tested.

Strange Details That Add to the Unease

Beyond its dark reputation, the Devil’s Tree is associated with a number of unusual physical details. Some claim the tree feels warm to the touch even during winter months. Others report an overwhelming sense of dread when standing nearby, as if being watched or unwelcome.

Perhaps the most visually striking detail appears in winter photographs. In several images, snow blankets the surrounding ground in thick layers, yet the base of the Devil’s Tree remains completely clear. A wide, sharply defined circle of bare earth surrounds the trunk, untouched by snow.

Photo: Mr Local History Project

About the Winter Melt

I'm no science expert so heres what I learned with research: From a scientific perspective, snow can melt faster around trees due to a combination of factors. Tree trunks and root systems can retain heat, dark bark can absorb sunlight even in colder months, and ground warmth beneath the soil can contribute to localized melting. Wind patterns and freeze–thaw cycles may also play a role.

That said, the depth of snow visible in these photographs — combined with the unusually wide and clean melt ring — has caused many observers to pause. While this effect may have a natural explanation, its appearance is striking and has only added to the Devil’s Tree’s unsettling reputation.

Writer’s note: As I said, I am not a scientist, but with snow appearing several inches deep and frozen throughout the surrounding area, the complete absence of even a light dusting near the trunk does seem unusual. Whether coincidence or simply an uncommon natural occurrence, it’s easy to understand why this detail has become part of the legend.

A Place Best Left Undisturbed

Today, the Devil’s Tree still stands — scarred, isolated, and surrounded by stories that refuse to fade. Some dismiss the legends entirely, while others believe the land holds a darkness born from human cruelty, fear, and memory. Whether cursed or simply misunderstood, the tree continues to unsettle those who know its story.

Important Notice: The Devil’s Tree is located on or near private property. The exact location is intentionally not provided. Landowners do not welcome visitors, and those who attempt to approach the site without permission may be removed or face trespassing charges. Respect for private property and local residents is essential.

Point Pleasant, West Virginia: The Story of the Mothman

The Mothman – Mason County, Point Pleasant, WV

Original artwork created exclusively for True Hauntings of America

Nestled along the Ohio River in the small town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, lurks one of America’s most infamous legends: the Mothman. Part cryptid, part omen, and wholly mysterious, this winged figure has haunted imaginations since the mid-1960s.

The First Sightings

On November 15, 1966, two couples—Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette—were driving near the abandoned TNT area when they encountered a towering, winged creature with glowing red eyes and a wide, powerful wingspan. The figure took flight and, by their account, followed their car at terrifying speeds until they reached town, shaken and breathless.

Days later, contractor Newell Partridge reported bizarre television interference and the eerie reflection of red eyes shining back from the darkness outside his home. His German shepherd, Bandit, bolted into the night after the intruder—and was never seen again. Word of the “Mothman” spread, and similar reports multiplied across the region.

The TNT Area and Its Shadows

Through the following year, witnesses described a winged figure gliding above tree lines, perching on rooftops, or staring from the roadside with hypnotic, ember-red eyes. Most encounters clustered around the abandoned World War II munitions site—the so-called TNT area—a maze of overgrown woods, concrete igloos, and forgotten service roads. Whether a lair or a lure, the place seemed stitched with dread, and locals learned to give its shadows a wide berth.

The Silver Bridge Tragedy

On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge linking Point Pleasant to Gallipolis, Ohio, collapsed during rush hour. Dozens of vehicles plunged into the icy Ohio River and forty-six lives were lost. In the aftermath, townspeople could not forget the months of sightings that led up to the disaster. Many came to believe the Mothman was a bleak harbinger—an omen that appeared before catastrophe. After the collapse, reports of the creature in Point Pleasant largely ceased.

Paranormal Theories and High Strangeness

Investigators, journalists, and folklorists arrived and uncovered not just Mothman accounts but also stories of strange lights in the sky, unnerving visitors in dark suits, and cryptic warnings. The legend blurred categories—ghost story, cryptid, and UFO lore—until it became a tapestry of “high strangeness,” one that refuses to be neatly explained.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, Point Pleasant embraces its place in American folklore. A steel Mothman statue stands watch downtown; a dedicated museum preserves eyewitness reports and artifacts; and each September, the town hosts the Mothman Festival, welcoming thousands of believers, skeptics, and the simply curious.

Mothman Museum & Research Center

400 Main Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
(304) 812-5211

Mothman Statue (Downtown Point Pleasant)

Main Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550 (adjacent to the museum plaza)

TNT Area (Clifton F. McClintic Wildlife Management Area)

General Location: About 5 miles north of downtown Point Pleasant

Do not trespass. Respect private property, fences, and posted warnings. Parts of the TNT area include restricted zones and potential hazards from its wartime past. Stay on public roads, marked paths, and areas explicitly open to visitors. When in doubt, turn back.

The Legend of the Bell Witch

Bell Farm – Robertson County, Adams, Tennessee

Sensationalized, dramatized, made into movies and written into books, the Bell Witch story has fascinated people since it began in 1817, turning the lives of the Bell family upside-down.

Today, the Bell Witch is at rest, or so they say. However, what paranormal website would be complete if it did not tell the legendary story of Adams, Tennessee’s “Bell” Witch?

The story of the Bell Witch is a long one. I will try to get in all of the facts, however, if you want a more detailed story, you might consider buying a book on the subject.

The story unfolded in the year 1817, a tale steeped in mystery and surrounded by unanswered questions regarding why an entity tormented the Bell family for years, particularly focusing its relentless onslaught on John Bell, Sr. until his demise in 1820.

Legend has it that the enigma began when John Bell encountered a peculiar creature in his field, prompting him to shoot at it. Describing the creature as having the body of a dog and the head of a rabbit, this encounter marked the genesis of unsettling occurrences. The Bell family soon found themselves besieged by scratching, thumping, and gnawing sounds both outside and, eventually, inside their house.

The haunting intensified as the children reported hearing knawing and scratching sounds at their bedposts at night. They would be abruptly awakened as their blankets and pillows were mercilessly ripped from their beds by an unseen presence. Faint whispers and barely audible singing further permeated the atmosphere, adding to the eerie ambiance that enveloped the Bell household.

Betsy Bell, in particular, became the target of the unseen menace, enduring hair-pulling, repeated slaps across the face, and visible handprints on her cheeks following these vicious attacks. This reign of terror persisted for about a year before John Bell finally confided in his friend and neighbor, James Johnston.

In an attempt to unravel the disturbances, James and his wife spent a night in the Bell home. The night brought repeated instances of blankets being ripped from the Johnstons' bed. However, James Johnston, driven by determination, demanded in the name of God that the entity reveal its identity and purpose. A night of peaceful reprieve followed, bringing temporary relief to the Bell household.

News of these mysterious events swiftly spread through the community and beyond, reaching as far as Nashville and catching the attention of General Andrew Jackson. Familiar with Jesse and John Bell, Jr. from the Battle of New Orleans, General Jackson, accompanied by his men, set out to visit the Bell plantation.

The first encounter with the Bell Witch occurred on the road near the Bell farm, with the wagon carrying General Jackson coming to a sudden halt. Attempts to move forward proved futile, leading General Jackson to attribute the obstruction to the witch. A disembodied voice confirmed this suspicion, allowing the wagon to proceed but promising a future encounter with the entity.

Despite the unusual incident, General Jackson and his men spent several uneventful hours at the Bell house. However, a self-proclaimed "witch tamer" among Jackson's men attempted to confront the entity, resulting in screams and chaotic flailing. The witch's voice denounced the man as a fraud, revealing that one more imposter among Jackson's men would be exposed the following evening.

Setting up tents in the Bell yard, Jackson's men pleaded to leave, and by morning, both the tents and General Jackson had vanished. Jackson, later quoted saying, "I’d rather fight the entire British Army than to deal with the Bell Witch," left an indelible mark on the legend.

Subsequently, Betsy Bell's romantic interest in Joshua Gardner became a focal point for the entity's interference. Despite parental blessings and excitement about their love, the witch intervened, tormenting the couple and ensuring that their marriage did not materialize. Betsy eventually called off the engagement on Easter of 1820.

Meanwhile, John Bell's health deteriorated, raising speculation about whether it was a disease or the machinations of the entity. John Bell endured relentless seizures, believed by some today to align with the condition now known as "Bell’s Palsy," discovered in 1821 by Charles Bell (no relation to John Bell or his ancestors). While sick in bed, John Bell was slapped in the face, and his shoes were repeatedly removed by an unseen force.

On December 20, 1820, John Bell succumbed to his afflictions. A small vial of liquid near his bed, when tested on a cat, led to its demise. The disembodied voice of the witch claimed responsibility for administering the liquid to John Bell, Jr. The vial, thrown into the fireplace, reportedly produced a blue flame.

During John Bell's funeral, attendees heard the witch's disembodied voice disrespectfully laughing and singing, adding a chilling note to the solemn occasion. In the spring of 1821, Lucy Bell claimed a visit from the entity, promising a return in seven years.

True to the promise, in 1828, the entity revealed itself to John Bell, Jr., engaging in discussions about Christianity and predicting future events, including the Civil War, World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. After a brief interaction, the witch bid farewell to John Jr., promising a return in one hundred and seven years to the closest descendant of John Bell.

In 1935, Charles Bailey Bell, the closest living descendant, authored a book titled "The Bell Witch – A Mysterious Spirit" before passing away in 1945. Some believe that the Bell Witch is now at rest, while others claim she still roams the old Bell farm and surrounding woods, with reports of disembodied voices, phantom children, and camera malfunctions.

Adding to the intrigue is a cave near the old Bell farm, where former landowner Mr. Bill Eden reported strange figures and knocking sounds. The Bell cave, not often highlighted in the legendary haunting, is believed by paranormalists to be a portal drawing activity to the area. Visitors who manage to capture photos often discover odd light streaks or mysterious figures, further deepening the mystique of the Bell Witch legend.

The Haunting of the Volcano Goddess

Madam Pele, the Volcano Goddess – Maui County, Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Madame Pele, the renowned Volcano Goddess, stands as an enduring legend in the rich tapestry of Hawaiian mythology. According to the captivating tale, Pele faced expulsion from Na-maka-o-kaha’I by her sister, the sea goddess. Seeking solace, she sought refuge atop Mauna Loa, translated as the "Long Mountain," where the warmth she yearned for could be found once more.

Mauna Loa, the largest volcano globally, sprawls across half of Hawaii's Big Island, boasting a formidable presence. This geological giant has rumbled to life in a staggering thirty-three eruptions since the year 1843, with the most recent documented eruption dating back to 1984.

The captivating lore surrounding Madame Pele extends beyond the confines of myth, as islanders and visitors alike claim to have glimpsed her descending from the mountain to issue warnings of impending eruptions. Notably, numerous sightings recount her accompanied by a small, white dog, adding an element of mystique to the narrative.

Intriguingly, the year 1959 marked an unusual chapter in the saga of Madame Pele when members of the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory staff reported sightings of a white dog. In their attempts to capture the elusive canine, they faced repeated failures. Remarkably, in December of that fateful year, two active craters erupted, coinciding with the mysterious appearances of the white dog. Although sightings persisted until around 1966, the connection between the enigmatic dog and the volcanic activity remains an unexplained phenomenon.

As for Madame Pele herself, the legend describes her attire—a striking red muumuu—and her constant companion, the little white dog trailing faithfully behind. It is whispered among the locals that encountering Madame Pele demands a friendly disposition, as an unfriendly encounter may incur swift and dire consequences, with death lurking in the shadows. Thus, the myth of Madame Pele continues to weave through the cultural fabric of Hawaii, where the volcano's tales are both captivating and cautionary.

Personal note: As absurd as this story sounds, a skeptical reporter is said to have seen Pele and the volcano erupted two days later. Also, volcanologists, studying the volcano, admitted to seeing her shortly before eruptions! The scientists confessed that they could not scientifically explain this phenomenon but did agree that if you see her you’d better high-tail it out of there!

Address:
Mauna Loa, Hawaii

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