by Scott Harper
Maryland is a small state. Yet, it might surprise a lot of people to know that, according to famous Sasquatch researcher John Green, Maryland ranks 5th in the nation in Sasquatch sightings. It lags only behind Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, and California in the sheer number of sightings recorded. Western Maryland contains mountains from both the Appalachian, and Allegheny ranges. Meanwhile, the southern part of the state boasts a lot of marshy swamplands. Both types of terrain are prime locations for Sasquatch. About a 40-mile-long section of the Appalachian Trail also runs through Maryland. There are a great number of sightings that take place along this route. Many Sasquatch researchers think that the creatures use the Trail as a convenient pathway.
Also, there are three major river systems in the state—the Potomac, the Patuxent, and the Patapsco. Many sightings have taken place along these waterways. Such watercourses provide not only water for the Sasquatch, but a steady supply of food, as well. There are a number of reports on file, from a variety of locations, involving Sasquatch swimming, or wading, and apparently catching fish. There have also been reports of the creatures stealing fish from the nets of people who are fishing. It's very common for rivers to boast large numbers of sightings along their routes.
While the most famous Sasquatch sightings in the state of Maryland are from the Sykesville Monster flap in the 1970's, the history of Sasquatch sightings in Maryland reach back much, much earlier. Native American accounts of the creatures in the area go back at least to the 1700's. There are even 16th century accounts of some Native tribes buying, and selling Sasquatch skins. It seems that some tribes in the area used to actually hunt Sasquatch. Sightings of these creatures go much further back than the Patterson/Gimlin film from 1967, despite the mistaken beliefs of some.
In 1892 a "Wild Man" was reported several times, having been seen in the woods near Brownsville, Maryland.
In 1892 a "Wild Man" was reported several times, having been seen in the woods near Brownsville, Maryland.
1914 saw a report from Churchville, in which an 8 year-old boy spotted a Sasquatch sitting on a log behind the house where the boy lived.
Sometime during the early 1900s, in Chestertown, Maryland, a number of small calves had been killed on a farm. Two boys—brothers—set out one night to try and discover the killer. While they were outside, they heard "an awful moaning" coming from the woods. Upon following the noise, they discovered a trail of huge, human-like footprints. The discovery of the tracks ended the boys' investigation, and sent them running back into their house.
In 1909, a farmer in Dorchester County was surveying his farmland from a horse-and-buggy. He saw a 7-foot-tall, hair-covered creature standing over several dead cows. Several sightings of Sasquatch—be it the same creature, or different specimens, we don't know—took place in the Gambrill State Park area during the 1920s.
In August of 1957, in Prince Georges County, Mr. and Mrs. Reverty Garner pulled into the driveway at their home. They were alarmed to see a "gorilla-like creature" with "beady red eyes" standing in their driveway. Although he slowed the car, the man struck the creature. He put the car into reverse, backing away. The Sasquatch pursued. There doesn't seem to be an record of what took place next.
A police officer had an unsettling encounter with a Sasquatch in Carroll County in 1959. The officer in question saw the creature cross a road, and step over a fence. When the man shouted, "Halt!" at the Sasquatch, the creature turned, and started walking toward the officer. The officer then drew his gun, and fired a warning shot. The Sasquatch continued approaching the man as if nothing had happened. The officer jumped back into his car, and fled the scene, leaving the Sasquatch behind.
Another too-close encounter took place in June of 1961 in Leakin Park. A Mr. and Mrs. Fergeson were in their car when they saw "huge eyes" staring in the window at them. Mr. Fergeson got out of the car. The Sasquatch turned, and walked away. Mr. Fergeson followed after it. When the creature began growling at him, Mr. Fergeson fled back to the car.
In 1964, workers in the Pretty Boy Dam area were building a house. They spotted a Sasquatch walk out of the forest near the reservoir. It's apparent that Sasquatch have been in the area we now call Maryland for a very long time. Given how perfect some of the territory there is for them, it's no wonder why. They have abundant food, water, and shelter there. Given the number of sightings that come from Maryland, it would be my guess that there's a good-sized breeding population of the creatures there—and there probably has been for centuries.
About the Author
Scott Harper is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 published short stories, and several novels. Harper grew up in Ohio, and graduated from Marysville High School in 1993, and began screenwriting in 2007, after the publication of several short stories and novels. He has worked on projects for James Tucker Productions, and 11th Dimension Films. He is currently involved with several projects, covering literature, film, and comic books. He was also a contributing writer for "Nuclear Winter Entertainment" for several months before that site shut down. Scott is very happily married to bestselling paranormal author Desirée Lee. Together, they have a wonderful little girl, and are working jointly on several projects. Those projects include multiple books, as well as the hit webcomic "MoonWraith."
More information about his work can be found on his website: www.scottharper.net
Blog Post by Dan Lindholm
