The Pukwudgies of New England

Long ago there began tales from the Native American Wampanoag Nation, of small human-like creatures that roamed the forests of New England. These seemingly mythical creatures, have supposedly been seen in areas of New England to this day.

Artist's rendition of a Pukwudgie, thought to haunt the forests of New England

A Pukwudgie was described by the Wampanoag Natives as a human-like creature standing only two or three feet high.  The have large ears, noses and feet.  Probably similar to what we have seen on the big screen today as the fictional Hobbits.  However, these creatures of lore are not so nice. At least not today.  They are believed to be shape shifters that can appear in many different forms including animals. They can appear and disappear at will.  It has been said that they appear as a ball of mystical light,luring a person to follow.  This usually ends badly for the witness in that they usually end up being pushed off of a cliff or drowned in some form of water. Sometimes they succumb to the Pukwudgie's poisonous darts. The Pukwudgie, according to legend, then takes possession of the victim's soul.

This all may sound like a wild fairy tale, but there have been actual eye witnesses that give testimonials to being lured into wooded areas by glowing balls of light and in some way shape or form have ended up getting hurt.  There have been a few that have actually claimed to see small humanoid creatures after following the lights.

This discovery is thought to be a mummified Pukwudgie

 
If the Pukwudgie's are only mythical and the figment of people's imaginations, then why is it that similar creatures have been described by Native Americans all the way across the country in areas such as Indiana, The Great Lakes, and in the Western territories.  In the Rocky Mountains, there were legends of small human like creatures which were proven.  There is The Pedro Mountain Mummy, evidence of Little People spoken of in Crow, Shoshone, and Arapaho legends.

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Ghost Ship of Harpswell, (The Ship of Death) - Harpswell, Maine

Off the coast of Maine in particular the Harpswell area in Casco Bay, there have been sightings of a phantom ship that has no crew.  It has been pursued and observed in peacetime but no one has ever been able to approach it, mostly because it disappears into thin air.  Read the full story>>

Photo of ship claimed to be the Harpswell Ghost Ship - photo by Cooks Lobster House

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Knights of Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island

In 1891, Oliver Belmont hired three hundred craftsmen to build what would later become known as Belcourt Castle.  For the time being, it was Oliver's summer home. It took three years to build and when finished, the castle had over sixty rooms.  Oliver was a collector of Medieval artifacts including suits of armor.  However, over the years on some occasions those suits of armor seem to take on a life of their own.  They appear to be haunted!

Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island is said to have a high rate paranormal activity

Three years after Belmont Castle was built, Oliver married Alva Vanderbilt. After Oliver died in 1908, she played a huge part in the Women's Suffrage Movement and is well remembered for her generosity.  She retired to France and died there in 1933.  Belmont Castle remained in the hands of their son's until it was sold to the Tinney family in 1940.

Over the years there have been many reports of the suits of armor moving about on their own.  Sometimes drastically.  While the armor would be on display in one place, the next day it would be found in another.  Some claim to have heard moaning sounds coming from the suits of armor.  In another part of the castle, there is a statue of a monk that supposedly moves on it's own as well.

Many say that these suits of armor take on a life of their own at Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island

Another mysterious happening in the castle seems to be centered around what are called the Salt Chairs. Named such because in medieval times salt as stored within the seats and given to visiting nobles as it was a valuable token to be given at the time. It seems that these "salt" chairs do not want to be sat upon.  Individuals attempting to do so seem to meet some sort of resistance.  People have actually been thrown from the chairs attempting to sit in them.

The exquisite interior of Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island is a playground for spirits who haunt the castle

Within Belmont Castle there is also a mirror that is said to be haunted as well.  You cannot see your reflection in it!  When visitors look into it, only vague shapes can be seen moving back and forth as if they were ghosts.



Perhaps these strange events that take place in Belmont Castle are really the spirits of Oliver and Alva Belmont.  It could be that they do not want to leave their summer home and this is how they remain a part of it forever.

Belmont Castle is still owned by members of the Tinney family.  It was converted into a museum and is open for regular tours as well as ghost tours.  The castle is located at 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. The phone number is 401-846-0669.  More information as well as tour schedules and hours of operation can be found on the Belcourt Castle web site http://www.belcourtcastle.com.

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