New England Vampire Folklore

The Haunting Legacy of New England Vampire Folklore

New England’s vampire lore is a chilling tapestry woven through centuries of local history and folklore. This region has long been associated with tales of supernatural beings that prey on the living, particularly those who have fallen victim to vampirism. While the mythos surrounding these creatures often overlaps with European traditions, it has taken on unique twists that are distinctly American.

The History and Background

Vampire beliefs in New England can be traced back to the late 17th century, though they were not as prevalent as in Europe. The earliest documented case of vampire-related hysteria occurred in 1692 during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. While witches were the primary focus of that trial, the underlying fear of other supernatural entities like vampires was never far from people’s minds.

One of the most notable cases involved Thomas Brue or “Briggs,” a man who died in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1697. His body was exhumed and found to be missing vital organs—a common sign of vampirism in folklore. This case highlighted the deep-seated fears surrounding death and the unknown.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Brue/Vaughan Case (1697)

Thomas Brue’s story is one of the earliest recorded instances of vampire hysteria in New England. After his death, his body was exhumed by local authorities who were convinced he had become a vampire. Upon inspection, they found that his heart and lungs were missing. This led to the belief that Brue had risen from the dead to feed on the living.

#### The Vaughan Incident (1725)

Another significant event occurred in 1725 when Timothy Vaughan, a farmer from Dummerston, Vermont, was suspected of being a vampire. Following his death, his body was exhumed and found to be bloated with blood oozing from its mouth. Local legend has it that his grave was opened repeatedly over the next several years, each time revealing the same gruesome condition.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Exhumation of Thomas Brue

According to a contemporary account, when Thomas Brue’s body was exhumed in 1697, it was found to be bloated and full of blood. His heart and lungs were missing, which many people at the time believed indicated vampirism. Local records describe how his flesh appeared unusually fresh and red, despite being buried for several days.

#### The Vaughan Exhumation

Timothy Vaughan’s case is less documented than Brue’s, but accounts from local residents detail his body being found full of blood upon exhumation in 1725. Some people reported seeing his eyes open and observing strange noises coming from the grave. These reports contributed to the growing belief that vampires were real.

Investigations or Research

Early investigations into these cases often involved local clergy, who would conduct rites to banish the supposed vampire. In some instances, townspeople would take matters into their own hands, performing crude exhumations and sometimes even burning suspected vampire bodies as a form of purification.

Research into New England’s vampire lore has been conducted by scholars like Thomas A. Foster, author of “The Vampire in Nineteenth-Century American Literature.” His work explores how these myths intersected with the cultural and social anxieties of the time, particularly during periods of economic hardship or disease outbreaks.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

While vampire lore in New England is not as prevalent today, its legacy lives on through local legends and historical sites. Many towns claim to have vampire-related stories or even offer tours that delve into these tales. For example, the town of Andover offers ghost walks that highlight the Brue/Briggs case.

The mystery persists because there are no concrete scientific explanations for these cases. The lack of definitive evidence leaves room for continued speculation and storytelling. However, recent studies by anthropologists have suggested that some of these exhumations may be more about addressing public fear than about vampires themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were there any legal consequences for those who performed vampire exhumations?

A: While there were no formal laws against exhuming bodies in the 17th and 18th centuries, community pressure often led to social ostracism or even legal trouble. In some cases, families might face financial penalties from communities that disapproved of such actions.

Q: How did New England’s vampire beliefs differ from those in Europe?

A: New England’s vampires were often seen as a combination of witchcraft and Native American legends rather than purely European folklore. This blend created unique characteristics, like the bloating of bodies due to alleged blood consumption by the living.

Q: Are there any modern-day cases of vampire beliefs in New England?

A: While traditional vampire beliefs are not widespread today, some contemporary authors and creators have drawn on these historical tales for inspiration. Local festivals and haunted tours still feature vampire stories, maintaining a connection to this rich cultural heritage.

Q: What role did economic hardship play in the vampire hysteria of 17th century New England?

A: Economic struggles during times like the Great Depression or after major disasters often fueled fears of supernatural entities that could explain unexplained deaths or illnesses. The belief in vampires provided a narrative that made sense of these unknown events.

Q: How do modern historians view the vampire cases from this period?

A: Historians now interpret these incidents as a combination of superstitious practices and social anxieties. They see them as reflecting the fears and uncertainties faced by early settlers who were often isolated and dealing with harsh conditions.