The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LEGEND-HARBOR SERPENT

A CREATURE WAS SEEN IN A AROUND GLOUCESTER HARBOR MANY TIMES DURING
THE SUMMER OF 1817. IT HAD A LONG, SERPENTINE BODY-SOME PEOPLE
GUESSED 100 FEET OR MORE. IT MOVED SWIFTLY THROUGH THE WATER
WITH GIANT UNDULATIONS. THE HEAD WAS HIDEOUSLY SHAPED AND A LONG
TONGUE FLICKED FROM ITS MOUTH. THE MONSTER MADE NO SOUND AND
IGNORED PEOPLE WHO APPROACHED IT. IN MID-AUGUST 12 PEOPLE SIGNED
DEPOSITIONS, SWEARING TO THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE SERPENT. LATE
THAT MONTH IT LEFT THE HARBOR. IT WAS SPOTTED IN LONG ISLAND
SOUND ON OCTOBER 3 AND 5. MANY PEOPLE HUNTED THE SERPENT AFTER
THAT, BUT IT WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN.

Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): MONSTERS

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR