Beneath the Veil of the Bennington Triangle
As one delves into the heart of southwestern Vermont, a realm of enchantment and mystery unfolds – the Bennington Triangle.
This name, coined by famed New England author Joseph A. Citro during a radio broadcast in 1992, refers to an area that extends from Bennington as its nexus, enveloping the nearby towns of Woodford, Shaftsbury, and Somerset. This geographical anomaly is noteworthy because of its tangible borders and intangible mysteries.
The lore of the Bennington Triangle has been passed down the generations, and to this day, the locals recount tales of uncanny phenomena with a shiver and a twinkle in their eyes. From unexplained disappearances to otherworldly sounds and lights, sightings of UFOs, and Bigfoot-like creatures, this region never ceases to stir intrigue and fascination.
A Timeline of Disappearances: The Haunting Memories
A chilling string of disappearances ignited the intrigue of the Bennington Triangle. The missing people ranged in age and circumstance, yet each case was similarly mystifying. Here is a more in-depth look at these five notorious disappearances:
- Middie Rivers, 1945: A seasoned hunter and guide, Rivers led a group back from a hunting trip when he strayed ahead and vanished. Despite extensive searches, only a single rifle cartridge was found.
- Paula Welden, 1946: A bright college student, Welden decided to take a solitary hike on the Long Trail. Her disappearance sparked a massive manhunt involving local authorities, the FBI, and volunteers, but to no avail.
- James E. Tedford, 1949: A veteran, Tedford was returning to the Bennington Soldier’s Home when he mysteriously vanished from a moving bus. His belongings were in the luggage rack, and an open bus timetable rested on his vacant seat.
- Paul Jepson, 1950: The young boy, left briefly unattended by his mother, disappeared from his family’s truck. Search dogs tracked his scent to the same stretch of the Long Trail where Welden had vanished years prior.
- Frieda Langer, 1950: Langer slipped into a stream during a hike near the Somerset Reservoir. She went to the campsite to change clothes but never returned.
These stories are indelibly imprinted in the collective memory of the local community, adding a unique character to the Bennington Triangle.
| Year | Person | Age | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Middie Rivers | 74 | Leading a hunting party |
| 1946 | Paula Welden | 18 | Hiking on Long Trail |
| 1949 | James Tedford | 68 | Returning from a trip |
| 1950 | Paul Jepson | 8 | Playing near a farm |
| 1950 | Frieda Langer | 53 | Hiking near Somerset Reservoir |
The Intricate Weave of Unsolved Mysteries
Beyond the strange disappearances, the Bennington Triangle has been the scene of other peculiar events.
Eerie lights hovering in the sky, unexplainable humming sounds echoing through the mountains, and even sightings of a wild, hairy creature, eerily akin to the legendary Bigfoot, have all added to the area’s intrigue.
The unusual activity has sparked countless debates among local folk and attracted the interest of paranormal enthusiasts and researchers, adding another dimension to the region’s unique identity.
The Echoes of Native American Legends
The Native American tribes of the area were the first to express wariness about the land now known as the Bennington Triangle. The Algonquian tribe called this area a “cursed land” inhabited by an evil spirit.
Their lore spoke of four winds that converged in this area, creating a thin space where the barriers between reality and the otherworldly were most permeable. This rich cultural heritage further intensifies the enigma of the Bennington Triangle.
The Serenity Amidst the Enigma
Yet, amidst the tales of the peculiar and the paranormal, the Bennington Triangle reveals a remarkable and serene beauty.
The sprawling vistas of the Green Mountain National Forest, hiking trails that meander through verdant wilderness, pristine water bodies, and the resplendent flora and fauna all contribute to the area’s natural allure.
The tranquil charm of this area serves as a stark contrast to its eerie folklore, creating a compelling mixture of the enchanting and the eerie.
The Resounding Echoes of the Past
Despite the time, signs of the Bennington Triangle’s history are evident in abandoned logging towns like Glastonbury and the remnants of erstwhile industries. These vestiges, slowly reclaimed by nature, evoke a sense of nostalgia and an appreciation for the enduring nature of local lore.
Looking Ahead: The Bennington Triangle’s Future
The tales and mysteries of the Bennington Triangle in southwestern Vermont are not merely relics of the past but catalysts for its future.
The local community has embraced its storied history, using it as a springboard for local tourism and cultural initiatives. The lore and mysteries have become integral to the area’s identity, encouraging a unique unity and a sense of pride among its residents.