FtV – Archer’s Pond Curse
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
What is the main focus of the episode about Archer's Pond in Ossipee, New Hampshire?
The episode explores the legends surrounding Archer's Pond, including stories of ghosts, curses, plagues, and an alleged mass murder. The hosts investigate the historical and paranormal claims tied to the area, uncovering evidence of a smallpox outbreak in the early 1800s that wiped out a village near the pond.
What is the significance of Polly's Crossing in the legends of Archer's Pond?
Polly's Crossing is named after a girl named Polly, who was allegedly hit by a train. Legends claim her screams can still be heard in the woods at night. However, no historical records confirm the train accident, suggesting the story may have been invented to explain the name.
What evidence suggests that a village once existed near Archer's Pond?
The hosts found multiple cellar holes and stone walls around Archer's Pond, indicating that people once lived there. These remnants, combined with burial records showing a spike in deaths in the early 1800s, suggest a village was wiped out by smallpox.
What historical event is linked to the deaths near Archer's Pond?
A smallpox outbreak in 1813 caused a significant number of deaths in the area. The disease was highly contagious and deadly, leading to the abandonment of the village and the burial of victims in isolated graves near Archer's Pond.
Why do legends about Archer's Pond persist despite a lack of evidence for some claims?
Legends persist because the area's eerie remnants, such as cellar holes and abandoned cars, fuel speculation. The combination of historical tragedies like the smallpox outbreak and the remote, creepy atmosphere creates a fertile ground for stories of curses, ghosts, and monsters.
What role does smallpox play in the legends of Archer's Pond?
Smallpox is the real 'mass murderer' behind the legends. The disease devastated the village near Archer's Pond in 1813, killing many and leaving the area abandoned. The fear and isolation surrounding the outbreak likely contributed to the creation of ghost stories and curses.
- Numerous legends surround Archer's Pond.
- Stories include ghosts, screams, mass murder, strange creatures, and a plague.
- The possibility of the area being a "legendary magnet" is discussed.
Shownotes Transcript