Whispers in the Granite State: New Hampshire Eerie Legends
New Hampshire is known for its rolling mountains, quiet towns, and deep forests, but beneath its postcard-perfect scenery, the state hides stories that have unsettled people for generations.
Ghostly figures, cursed lands, and creatures lurking in the woods—these tales have been passed down for centuries, some rooted in real events, others shrouded in mystery.
Whether told around campfires or whispered in old inns, they continue to creep into the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The state’s history, stretching back to the colonial era, plays a big role in these eerie stories.
Witch trials, battles, and early settlements left their mark, giving rise to lingering spirits and strange occurrences.
Old mills, taverns, and even entire towns are said to be haunted by those who met tragic ends.
Meanwhile, the deep woods of Coös County have their secrets, with sightings of strange creatures that slip between the trees before anyone can get a good look.
Some say these legends are nothing more than folklore, but others swear there’s truth behind them.
From the infamous tale of Goody Cole to the mysterious stone of Lake Winnipesaukee, these stories have shaped the state’s reputation as a place where history and the unexplained collide.
Whether they’re the product of superstition or something more, they remain a part of New Hampshire’s identity, waiting for the next person to stumble across their chilling details.
Disclaimer: The illustrations in this article are artistic representations created for informational purposes only. They are not actual photographs or direct visual documentation of the events, locations, or figures depicted.
The Legend of Goody Cole: The Witch of Hampton
A Woman Feared and Accused
In the mid-1600s, the town of Hampton was a small Puritan settlement along the New Hampshire coast.
Among its residents was Eunice Cole, better known as Goody Cole. She was old, poor, and outspoken—three qualities that made her an easy target for suspicion.
Unlike many of her neighbors, she lived without a husband or family to protect her, making her an outsider in the community’s eyes.
When livestock fell sick, crops failed, or strange misfortunes struck, whispers of witchcraft spread through the town, and all fingers pointed at Goody Cole.
The Trials That Sealed Her Fate
In 1656, authorities arrested her and charged her with witchcraft.
She was brought before the court in Boston, where witnesses claimed she had cursed them, caused deaths, and even transformed into an animal.
The judges sentenced her to imprisonment, and she spent years behind bars before being released back into a town that wanted nothing to do with her.
She returned to Hampton in 1671, but the accusations never stopped. When young children fell ill, people swore they had seen Goody Cole lurking nearby.
When unexplained lights flickered in the sky, they said she was behind it. Once again, she was arrested and thrown into prison.
She eventually returned to Hampton, but by then, she was too frail to be a threat to anyone.
She lived out her final years in poverty, alone in a small shack on the edge of town.
A Curse That Would Not Die
Goody Cole died sometime in the late 1680s, but death didn’t even clear her name.
Fearing she would return as a vengeful spirit, some say the townspeople buried her in an unmarked grave and drove a wooden stake through her heart.
For years after her death, misfortunes continued to plague the town. Boats sank without reason, and people drowned in calm waters.
Locals blamed these tragedies on Goody Cole, convinced her spirit was taking revenge.
Ghost Stories and Modern Recognition
Centuries later, Hampton embraced its most infamous resident in a way the Puritans never would have imagined.
In 1963, the town passed a resolution clearing her name, acknowledging that fear and superstition had led to her persecution. Even so, some say her spirit never left.
Ghost hunters claim to have seen a shadowy figure near where her home once stood.
Others report hearing strange whispers in the wind when passing through the area at night.
No one knows for sure if Goody Cole still lingers, but her legend remains one of New Hampshire’s most enduring ghost stories.
The Curse of Chief Chocorua
A Name Carved into the Mountains
Mount Chocorua rises above the New Hampshire landscape, its jagged peak standing out against the sky.
It is one of the most well-known mountains in the state, drawing hikers and photographers year-round.
But long before tourists set foot on its trails, the land carried a darker story.
According to legend, the mountain bears the name of a Native American chief who left behind a curse that still lingers today.
A Story of Betrayal and Revenge
The tale begins in the early 1700s, a time when tensions between Native American tribes and English settlers were high.
Chief Chocorua, a leader among his people, lived in peace with some settlers, though conflict always loomed.
One settler, a man named Campbell, took in Chocorua’s young son when the chief had to leave the village for a time.
While under Campbell’s care, the boy grew sick and died. When Chocorua returned and found his son dead, he refused to believe it was illness. He was convinced the settlers had poisoned him.
Blinded by grief and rage, Chocorua retaliated, killing members of Campbell’s family before fleeing into the mountains.
The Chief’s Last Stand
Campbell and other settlers pursued Chocorua, tracking him to the peak of the mountain that now bears his name.
Surrounded, the chief had nowhere left to run. Rather than surrender, he climbed to the highest rock and shouted a final curse upon the land.
He called for sickness, suffering, and hardship to fall upon the settlers and their descendants.
Then, he leaped from the cliff, falling to his death on the rocks below.
A Curse That Would Not Fade
After Chocorua’s death, the settlers in the area suffered repeated misfortunes. Crops failed, livestock sickened, and people died from mysterious illnesses.
When barns burned, or storms destroyed homes, people whispered that the chief’s curse was at work.
Over the years, many have believed the mountain to be a place of bad luck, and some have avoided it entirely.
Strange Events in Modern Times
Even today, hikers and climbers report strange occurrences near the peak. Some claim to hear voices in the wind, as if someone is calling out from the cliffs.
Others say they have seen a shadowy figure standing on the rocks, watching from above.
Accidents on the mountain, including unexplained falls and sudden injuries, have fueled the belief that Chocorua’s curse is still active.
Despite its beauty, Mount Chocorua carries a legend that refuses to disappear.
The Wood Devils of Coös County
Tall Shadows in the Forest
Deep in the northernmost part of New Hampshire, the woods stretch for miles, untouched and dense.
This is Coös County, a place known for its rugged landscape and quiet isolation.
For over a century, hunters, hikers, and locals have told stories of tall, thin creatures lurking between the trees.
They move quickly, blending into the forest so well that people barely catch a glimpse before they vanish.
Some call them spirits, others believe they are something flesh and blood—but most simply call them the Wood Devils.
A History of Sightings
Stories of strange figures in the woods go back to the 19th century.
Lumberjacks working deep in the forest spoke of something watching them from the trees.
They described a creature covered in gray or light brown fur, standing nearly seven feet tall.
It was said to move with unnatural speed, slipping behind trees as soon as someone looked in its direction.
Unlike the more famous Bigfoot, the Wood Devils were never seen up close for long.
They seemed to avoid humans at all costs, never leaving behind tracks or clear evidence.
Some who traveled through the wilderness at night reported hearing footsteps behind them, only to turn and find nothing there.
Others swore they saw something dart between the trees—tall, thin, and impossibly fast.
Encounters That Keep the Legend Alive
Even today, stories continue to surface.
Hikers describe a strange silence in parts of the woods as if all animal sounds suddenly stop.
Some claim to have seen movement in their peripheral vision, only to find empty woods when they turn their head.
A few campers report waking up to the feeling of being watched, their tents surrounded by nothing but darkness and towering trees.
Though some brush these encounters off as tricks of the light or paranoia, others leave the woods convinced they are not alone.
Theories Behind the Mystery
Some believe the Wood Devils are an undiscovered species, a relative of Bigfoot that has learned to avoid humans.
Others think they are a product of fear—tall trees, shifting shadows, and the mind’s natural response to the unknown.
Skeptics argue that the sightings are nothing more than misidentified animals, exaggerations, or outright hoaxes.
Whatever the truth is, the legend of the Wood Devils remains a chilling part of New Hampshire’s wilderness lore.
The Devil Monkeys of Danville
A Night of Fear in a Quiet Town
Danville, a small town in southern New Hampshire, has never been the kind of place people associate with monsters.
But in 2001, something strange happened that left residents shaken.
On a warm summer night, several townspeople reported seeing bizarre creatures darting through the woods.
The descriptions varied slightly, but the main details were the same—thin, long-limbed creatures with sharp teeth and glowing eyes.
Some said they moved like monkeys, leaping between trees with unnatural speed.
Others swore they stood on two legs, their claws scraping against the pavement as they crossed the road.
By the time the sun rose, nearly a dozen people had claimed to see something they couldn’t explain.
Eyewitness Accounts and Growing Panic
The first reports came from a group of teenagers who were driving near a wooded area just outside of town.
They slammed on the brakes when something sprinted across the road—faster than any animal they had ever seen.
It was covered in dark fur, with long arms that nearly touched the ground.
The headlights caught its face just before it disappeared into the trees, revealing sharp teeth and glowing yellow eyes.
Later that night, a family walking their dog claimed they saw a creature clinging to the side of a tree, staring at them.
It let out a high-pitched screech before leaping into the darkness.
Word spread quickly, and more locals came forward with their own stories.
One man swore he heard something clawing at his shed, but when he went outside to check, it was gone.
Another person said they spotted two figures running along the tree line, keeping pace with their car.
Possible Explanations
As the reports piled up, people started speculating about what the creatures could be.
Some thought they might be exotic animals that had escaped from a private collection.
Others believed the creatures had always been there, hiding deep in the woods and avoiding humans until that night.
A few dismissed the entire event as a mix of hysteria and overactive imaginations, but those who saw the creatures refused to back down.
The Creatures Disappear
After a few days, the sightings stopped just as suddenly as they had begun.
No one ever caught one of the creatures, and no physical evidence—no footprints, fur, or broken branches—was ever found.
Still, the people of Danville haven’t forgotten that night.
Some believe the Devil Monkeys are still out there, watching from the trees, waiting for the right moment to be seen again.
The Haunting of the Chase House
A House with a Troubled Past
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a city filled with colonial history, cobblestone streets, and old buildings.
Among them stands the Chase House, a structure that has drawn whispers and ghost stories for decades.
Built in the late 1800s, it originally served as a refuge for orphaned children and troubled youth.
At a time when social services were scarce, places like the Chase House were meant to offer safety, but not every story ended happily. One in particular has become a legend.
The Tragic Death of a Young Girl
Sometime in the early 1900s, a young girl living in the house took her own life.
No one knows for sure what led to her death, but rumors suggest she had suffered mistreatment or unbearable loneliness.
Some say she was found hanging from the rafters in her small bedroom.
Others claim she threw herself from one of the upper windows, her body discovered on the cobbled street below.
Regardless of how it happened, her story has become a permanent part of the house’s history.
Strange Happenings Behind Closed Doors
Years after her death, reports of unusual activity began to surface. Residents and visitors described the feeling of being watched when no one else was around.
Doors locked and unlocked on their own. Ceiling fans spun without power, and objects moved without explanation.
Some claimed to hear soft footsteps in empty hallways or the faint sound of a child crying late at night.
One former worker at the house swore she saw a small figure in a white nightgown standing at the top of the stairs. When she called out, the figure turned and vanished.
A House That Won’t Let Go of Its Secrets
The Chase House has changed hands multiple times over the years, but the ghost stories have remained.
Some who have lived or worked there brush them off as old legends.
Others believe the spirit of the young girl still lingers, trapped in the place where her life ended.
Even those who don’t believe in ghosts admit there’s something about the house that feels… unsettled.
The Cocheco Falls Millworks Fire: Echoes of Tragedy
A Thriving Mill Town and a Sudden Disaster
Dover, New Hampshire, once thrived as a major center for textile production.
The Cocheco Manufacturing Company, built in the early 1800s, powered the local economy and provided thousands of jobs.
Massive brick mills lined the Cocheco River, where the rush of water turned giant wheels and kept the machines running.
Workers, many of them young women, spent long hours weaving fabric, surrounded by the constant hum of machinery. For decades, the mills operated without issue—until one tragic night.
A Fire That Left Its Mark
One evening, as workers finished their shifts and the factory quieted down, a fire sparked inside one of the buildings.
The flames spread quickly, feeding on wooden beams and fabric, leaving workers still inside with little time to react.
Thick smoke filled the air as fire tore through the structure, making escape nearly impossible.
By the time the blaze was controlled, part of the mill was in ruins, and several lives had been lost.
The town mourned, and stories of that night became part of Dover’s history. But according to some, those who perished in the fire never truly left.
Whispers in the Empty Hallways
Over the years, people who worked in the remaining mill buildings reported strange occurrences.
Some heard footsteps echoing through the halls when no one else was there. Others swore they smelled smoke, even though no fire had burned for decades.
One worker claimed to hear the faint sound of looms operating at night long after the factory had shut down.
Doors opened and closed on their own. Shadows moved across empty rooms, disappearing before anyone could get a clear look.
A Place That Holds Its Past
Today, parts of the old mill buildings have been repurposed for offices, apartments, and businesses.
Even with modern renovations, some say the past lingers.
Employees in the converted spaces still report odd sounds, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched.
Whether it’s the weight of history or something else, the Cocheco Mills remains a place where echoes of the past refuse to fade.
The Stone-Throwing Devil of Great Island
An Invisible Threat in Colonial New Hampshire
In 1682, the quiet settlement of Great Island, now known as New Castle, became the center of one of New England’s strangest mysteries.
The home of George Walton, a well-known tavern owner and landowner, became the target of an unexplained and relentless attack.
Without warning, stones, bricks, and other heavy objects began flying at Walton’s house.
They crashed through windows, shattered furniture, and terrified anyone inside. No one ever saw who—or what—was responsible.
Accusations and Growing Fear
At first, people assumed the attacks came from someone with a grudge against Walton.
The tavern keeper was known for his sharp tongue and frequent disputes with neighbors.
But as the attacks continued, the explanation became harder to believe.
Stones seemed to fall from the sky, and no one was throwing them. Witnesses swore objects moved on their own inside the house.
Servants claimed to hear strange whispers in empty rooms. As fear spread, whispers of witchcraft began to circulate.
A Town Divided
Colonial New England was a place where belief in the supernatural ran deep. When things happened without explanation, people often blamed witches or spirits.
Some believed Walton had made an enemy of a witch who had cursed him.
Others thought his house had become haunted by an angry spirit. Even Walton himself struggled to explain what was happening.
He insisted he was the victim of a supernatural attack and demanded justice. But without proof, the town was left to speculate.
Theories and Lasting Legends
The stone-throwing eventually stopped, but the mystery never faded.
Historians have debated possible explanations, from pranks by local troublemakers to mass hysteria fueled by superstition.
Some believe the events resemble modern cases of poltergeist activity, where unseen forces move objects without cause.
Others think the attacks were psychological, a mix of fear and imagination taking hold of a nervous community.
To this day, no one knows for sure what—or who—caused the chaos at Walton’s home.
What remains is a legend that has endured for more than three centuries.
The Mystery Stone of Lake Winnipesaukee
An Artifact with No Clear Origin
In 1872, a group of workers digging near Lake Winnipesaukee unearthed something they had never seen before.
Buried in the soil was a small, egg-shaped stone, about four inches long, covered in strange carvings.
The smooth, dark-colored artifact had an unusual hole drilled through its center, suggesting it was meant to be strung or placed on display.
No one knew where it had come from, who had made it, or how long it had been underground. Over a century later, its origins remain unknown.
Symbols That Raise Questions
Carvings on the stone depict several images, including a human face, a teepee-like structure, and strange geometric patterns.
Some researchers believe the markings resemble Native American artwork, possibly representing an important event or ceremony.
Others suggest the carvings could be linked to early European settlers or even ancient civilizations.
The level of craftsmanship, particularly the precise drilling of the hole, has puzzled experts.
Creating such a perfect borehole would have required advanced tools that didn’t match the current technology.
Theories and Speculation
Since its discovery, many theories have surfaced about the stone’s origin.
Some believe it was a Native American artifact, possibly a peace offering or memorial stone.
Others speculate it was created by a much older civilization, one that predates recorded history in the region.
A few researchers have even suggested the stone could be a hoax planted in the ground sometime before its discovery. Without a clear historical record, no one can say for sure.
A Mystery That Still Captures Attention
The stone remains on display at the New Hampshire Historical Society, drawing visitors who are eager to see the artifact up close.
Despite advances in archaeology and technology, no definitive answers have been found.
Its purpose, creators, and journey to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee remain open questions, leaving plenty of room for scientific inquiry and local legend.
Ocean-Born Mary: A Ghost Story with Twisted Origins
A Birth at Sea and a Pirate’s Mercy
In 1720, a baby girl was born on a ship sailing from Ireland to the American colonies.
Her parents, James and Elizabeth Wilson, were among the many immigrants seeking a new life in New England. Before they reached land, their ship was attacked by pirates.
As the legend goes, the pirate captain was about to raid the vessel when he heard a newborn’s cries.
Moved by superstition or sentiment, he made an offer—if the child were named Mary after his mother, he would spare the ship and let the passengers go.
The Wilsons agreed, and their daughter was named Mary, later earning the nickname “Ocean-Born Mary.”
A Life That Became a Legend
Mary grew up in Londonderry, New Hampshire, where she married a man named Thomas Wallace.
They had several children and lived an ordinary life for many years.
Despite the dramatic start to her life, there is no record of her having any connection to pirates beyond the story of her birth.
However, over time, the legend changed. People began to claim that Mary had later married the same pirate who had spared her and lived with him in a grand house in Henniker.
Some versions even suggested that pirate treasure was buried on the property.
A Ghost That Won’t Rest
The house in Henniker, now known as the Ocean-Born Mary House, became the center of ghost stories in the 20th century.
Visitors and locals claimed to see the spirit of a tall woman with fiery red hair walking through the halls.
Some described her as a protective presence, watching over the home.
Others swore they heard whispers, footsteps, and rocking chairs moving on their own.
The legend grew, and ghost hunters became fascinated with the idea of Mary’s restless spirit still lingering in Henniker.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Historical records prove that Mary never lived in the Henniker house linked to her ghost story. Her son did, but she never set foot inside it.
The tale of her pirate husband and hidden treasure also has no historical backing. Even so, the story continues to be told, and many believe the legend holds some truth.
Whether Mary’s ghost still walks the halls or not, her name remains tied to one of New Hampshire’s most famous hauntings.
America’s Stonehenge: Ancient Secrets in Salem, NH
A Site Unlike Any Other
Deep in the woods of Salem, New Hampshire, sits a collection of stone chambers, standing walls, and carved rocks arranged in a way that has puzzled researchers for decades.
Some call it a curiosity, while others believe it holds the key to a lost chapter of history.
Known today as America’s Stonehenge, the site has drawn comparisons to the famous stone circles of England, though its origins remain unclear.
While no one knows exactly who built it, theories range from Native American cultures to early European explorers who may have arrived long before Columbus.
A Mysterious Structure with Unknown Builders
The site consists of several stone walls, underground chambers, and large slabs positioned in what appears to be an intentional design.
One of the most fascinating features is a massive stone table, which some believe was used for ancient rituals.
Another key part of the site is its astronomical alignments—certain stones seem to mark the positions of the sun and moon at different times of the year.
This has led some researchers to suggest it functioned as a calendar, tracking solstices and equinoxes much like the structures built by ancient civilizations.
Who Built It? Competing Theories
Archaeologists and historians have debated the site’s origins for years.
Some believe it was constructed by Native American tribes, possibly for ceremonial or religious purposes.
Others claim European explorers—perhaps the Phoenicians, the Celts, or even Norse travelers—may have reached North America thousands of years ago and left behind this structure.
Supporters of the European theory argue that the site’s layout resembles ancient sites found in Ireland and Great Britain.
Skeptics, however, suggest the entire site may be nothing more than a collection of colonial-era root cellars and storage chambers, misinterpreted over time.
A Place of Strange Energy and Paranormal Reports
Beyond historical debate, some visitors claim the site has an unusual energy.
A few have reported hearing whispers in the woods or feeling an unexplained sense of unease while walking through the chambers.
Paranormal investigators have explored the site, attempting to capture evidence of ghostly activity, though no definitive proof has emerged.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its past, America’s Stonehenge continues to draw visitors who seek answers—or at least a glimpse into one of New Hampshire’s strangest mysteries.