

Mysterious Events in New Jersey a Century Ago: A Forgotten Chapter of History
Every New Jerseyan has heard of the Jersey Devil. The infamous cryptid (a creature whose existence has yet to be proven) is the stuff of legend. Often described as a winged biped with hooves, horns, and a horse-like face, accounts of its appearance vary. Many of us grew up hearing stories about the terrifying demons that spawn around campfires and under the sheets, but to us it’s just been some sort of dark fairy tale.
The legend of the Jersey Devil originated centuries ago

The story goes something like this… In 1735, Pine Barrer native Mother Leeds gave birth to her thirteenth child. Some say she was a witch and the child’s father was the devil himself. Born on a stormy night, the baby was anything but human. He killed the midwife and flew off into the woods. For years he tormented local children and farmers, killing livestock.

However, sightings were quite rare… until 1909.
From January 16 to 23, New Jersey newspapers published hundreds of alleged encounters with the Jersey Devil across the state. Reports even ranged as far as Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; the sketch shown above was published by a Philadelphia newspaper. Reports claimed the creature attacked a streetcar in Haddon Heights and a social club in Camden. Camden police are said to have fired at the creature, but were not hit.
People panicked and schools were closed along the Delaware River Valley. The Philadelphia Zoo even offered a $10,000 reward for the creature. While some refused to go to work, the guards went out to hunt the devil. But then it disappeared and life returned to normal.