Nestled in the picturesque Green Mountains of Vermont, the town of Glastenbury has a chilling history that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
With its eerie tales of ghostly sightings, strange disappearances, and abandoned ruins, Glastenbury Vermont Ghost Town is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and a glimpse into the past.
A Brief History of Glastenbury
Founded in the early 19th century, Glastenbury was once a thriving logging town and home to a flourishing community. However, the town’s fortune began to wane as the years passed. The logging industry dwindled, and the town’s population fell into decline.
Glastenbury is an unincorporated town in Bennington County with a mere eight residents. Its ghostly reputation is fueled by strange occurrences and mysteries that have haunted the town for over a century.
The Founding of Glastenbury
In its early days, Glastenbury was a bustling town with a population of 241 at its peak. The town boasted a school, post office, and small houses, which supported its thriving charcoal and logging railroad operations. However, as the industries began to decline, so did the town’s population.
The Downfall of Glastenbury
Glastenbury’s downfall began with a series of mysterious events and tragedies that seemed to plague the town. In the late 19th century, attempts were made to transform Glastenbury into a tourist destination by adding a trolley resort, casino, and renovated hotel.
But disaster struck in 1898 when a devastating flood destroyed the town’s railroad and infrastructure, marking the end of Glastenbury’s heyday. The town was eventually disincorporated by the state in 1937.
Mysterious Disappearances in Glastenbury
One of the most intriguing aspects of Glastenbury’s is the series of unexplained disappearances in the town and its surrounding areas.
From the 1940s to the 1950s, several people vanished without a trace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unexplained phenomena.
Middie Rivers
Middie Rivers was a local hunting and fishing guide who disappeared in 1945 while leading a group through the woods near Glastenbury. Despite an extensive search, no trace of Rivers was ever found, and his disappearance remains unsolved.
Paula Weldon
In 1946, Bennington College student Paula Weldon vanished while hiking the Long Trail near Glastenbury. Her disappearance sparked a massive search, but no clues were ever uncovered, and her fate remains a mystery.
James Tetford
James Tetford, a resident of the Veterans Home in Bennington, went missing in 1949 while traveling by bus from St. Albans to Bennington. His luggage was found on the bus, but Tetford himself seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Paul Jepson
Eight-year-old Paul Jepson disappeared in 1950 while playing near his family’s home in Glastenbury. Despite an extensive search, no trace of the boy was ever found, and his disappearance remains a haunting mystery.
Frieda Langer
1950 Frieda Langer went missing while hiking with her cousin and husband near Glastenbury. Her badly decomposed body was discovered several months later, but the cause of her death remains unknown.
The Legend of the Glastenbury Monster
In addition to its mysterious disappearances, Glastenbury is also said to be home to a mysterious creature known as the Glastenbury Monster. This elusive beast is said to roam the town’s woods, and numerous sightings have been reported over the years.
Some believe the monster is responsible for the town’s strange happenings, while others argue that it is merely a figment of the imagination.
The Bennington Triangle
The area surrounding Glastenbury, including parts of Bennington and Shaftsbury, has been dubbed “The Bennington Triangle” due to the many strange occurrences and unexplained disappearances.
Some believe the region is an energy vortex or exists in an alternate dimension, while others point to more mundane explanations such as natural hazards and human error.
The Curse of Glastenbury
Some speculate that Glastenbury is cursed, with its misfortunes and strange events attributed to supernatural forces or evil spirits. Others argue that the town’s downfall and mysterious happenings can be explained by its challenging terrain, remote location, and the natural hazards of living in a rugged mountainous area.
Haunted Attractions in Vermont
For those who enjoy exploring the paranormal, Vermont offers a wealth of haunted attractions.
Among them are Emily’s Bridge, a covered bridge said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Emily, and the Eddy House in Chittenden, which is rumored to be home to ghosts and other supernatural phenomena.
Exploring Glastenbury Today
While much of Glastenbury’s original town has been reclaimed by nature, some remnants of its past can still be found on various hiking trails. These ruins serve as a haunting reminder of the town’s history and its mysteries.
Hiking in Glastenbury
For those interested in exploring the mysteries of Glastenbury, a challenging but rewarding hiking experience awaits. Glastenbury Mountain boasts an observation tower that offers stunning views of the vast wilderness that now encompasses the town’s former settlement.
Preserving Glastenbury’s Legacy
Glastenbury continues to captivate the imagination of those who venture into its mysterious landscape as a testament to its intriguing past.
The town’s eerie history and ghostly reputation serve as a reminder of the power of both nature and the human spirit to endure in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Glastenbury Vermont Ghost Town remains an enigmatic and captivating destination for those seeking adventure, exploration, and a glimpse into a mysterious past.
With its rich history and haunting tales, Glastenbury offers a unique experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories and a desire to unravel the mysteries still hidden among the Green Mountains of Vermont.
