You’ll find Herrick Settlement nestled in Vermont’s haunting Bennington Triangle near Glastenbury Mountain, where a once-thriving 19th-century logging community met an eerie end. The area’s known for unexplained disappearances, including Carol Herrick’s mysterious 1943 death and strange footprints in the snow. Today, you can explore the settlement’s scattered ruins via old logging roads, though locals warn of paranormal activity and Native American legends speak of ancient mountain spirits lurking in these woods.
Key Takeaways
- Herrick was a late 19th-century settlement near Glastenbury, Vermont, that thrived on logging and hunting before its mysterious abandonment.
- The town’s decline began after Carol Herrick’s death in 1943, which sparked local legends and marked the beginning of unexplained incidents.
- The area is part of the Bennington Triangle, notorious for multiple disappearances between 1945-1950 and sightings of the legendary Bennington Monster.
- Native Americans considered the region cursed and sacred, with Algonquin legends warning of malevolent mountain spirits in the wilderness.
- Remnants of Herrick’s industrial past include brick charcoal kilns, lumber mill foundations, and weathered hotel ruins accessible via old logging trails.
The Rise and Fall of Herrick Settlement
While many Vermont ghost towns faded quietly into history, Herrick’s transformation from a bustling logging settlement to an abandoned wilderness tells a darker tale.
You’ll find Herrick’s settlement history deeply rooted in the rugged mountains near Glastenbury, where late 19th-century pioneers carved out a living through logging and hunting. The area had long been shunned by natives due to their belief in supernatural forces lurking in the mountains. Like the nearby town of Glastenbury, Herrick’s economy relied heavily on the lumber and charcoal industries that dominated the region.
In its prime, the community thrived on wilderness survival skills, with residents depending on the abundant timber and local hunting grounds.
Yet Herrick’s remote location proved both its strength and ultimate weakness. As accessible timber dwindled and mysterious disappearances plagued the area, including the chilling death of Carol Herrick in 1943, the settlement’s fate was sealed.
Residents gradually abandoned their mountain homes, drawn to more accessible towns, leaving Herrick to be reclaimed by the very wilderness that once sustained it.
Mysterious Deaths in the Mountain Woods
Following the unsettling death of Carol Herrick in 1943, the mountain woods surrounding Herrick became the epicenter of unexplained disappearances and deaths that would plague Vermont’s Bennington Triangle for years to come.
Deep in Vermont’s mountains, Herrick’s mysterious 1943 death marked the beginning of the Bennington Triangle’s dark legacy of vanishings.
The discovery of Herrick’s body, surrounded by enormous, unexplainable footprints, sparked haunting legends of the “Bennington Monster,” a towering creature with piercing eyes that locals blamed for the region’s mysterious disappearances. Native American tribes had long considered the mountain sacred and cursed, warning against trespassing in the area.
You’ll find stories of James Tedford vanishing from a bus, Frieda Langer’s delayed discovery, and Middie Fisher’s complete disappearance – all adding to the area’s eerie reputation.
Despite extensive searches, many victims were never found, while others emerged in previously searched locations, leaving you to wonder what secrets these ancient woods still hold. The region’s dark history led to the creation of the Vermont State Police following criticism of search efforts.
The Legend of the Bennington Monster
Deep in the forests of Vermont’s Glastenbury Mountain lurks one of New England’s most enigmatic cryptids – the Bennington Monster.
You’ll find that Bennington sightings date back to the early 1800s, when a terrifying encounter with a six-foot-tall hairy creature left a stagecoach overturned and passengers traumatized. A team of locals discovered massive footprints surrounding the overturned vehicle.
The creature’s behaviors have become legendary among locals, with reports describing an immensely strong, bipedal being that roars through the night. The area gained further notoriety when five people disappeared between 1945 and 1950.
You’re walking in the footsteps of Native Americans who long warned of malevolent spirits in these parts. They considered Glastenbury Mountain a sacred but dangerous place where the four winds meet.
Their legends speak of a mysterious “man-eating” stone, while modern accounts link the monster to numerous disappearances and unexplained deaths, including the tragic 1943 case of Carol Herrick.
Uncovering the Folklore and Local Tales
You’ll find the roots of Herrick’s monster tales stretching back to 1867, when locals first reported encounters with a “wild man” living among the boulder caves near Bennington and Glastenbury.
Through generations of storytelling, this figure transformed into the more mythical Bennington Monster – described as a massive, hairy creature with glowing eyes that allegedly stalked travelers through the mountain paths. The legend gained particular attention when five unexplained disappearances occurred in the area between 1945 and 1950.
While skeptics note the lack of concrete evidence behind these sightings, the stories remain deeply woven into the community’s cultural fabric, preserved through oral histories and shape the region’s identity today. The area’s ominous reputation dates back even further, as Native American tribes had long warned against traveling through these lands they considered cursed.
Monster Sightings Through Time
Through generations of local storytelling, the legend of the Bennington Monster has become deeply woven into Herrick’s haunting history.
Local monster encounters date back over two centuries, with eyewitness accounts describing a towering, long-haired creature resembling Bigfoot, whose large eyes pierce through the darkness.
One of the most chilling sightings occurred in 1943 when hunters spotted a massive, hair-covered figure with glowing eyes in the woods.
That same year, Carol Herrick’s death brought the creature’s presence into sharp focus when his body was discovered surrounded by giant footprints, apparently crushed to death.
Between 1945 and 1950, five more disappearances in the area fueled speculation about the monster’s existence, including James Tedford’s inexplicable vanishing from a moving bus in 1949.
Among the disappearances, hiker Frieda Langer’s case added to the mystery when her remains were found near Somerset Reservoir after a seven-month search.
Local Stories Live On
Tales of the Bennington Monster and mysterious disappearances continue to resonate throughout Vermont’s local communities, preserved by dedicated historians and storytellers who gather regularly to share these haunting narratives.
You’ll find Joseph A. Citro’s research and broadcasts at the heart of this local folklore preservation, weaving together documented facts with centuries-old tales. The cultural connections run deep, from Native American Algonquin warnings about a dangerous mountain stone to early settlers’ encounters with a mysterious “wild man.”
These stories find their anchor in the ghost town of Glastenbury, chartered in 1761, where unexplained incidents like Carol Herrick’s death and subsequent disappearances have left an indelible mark. The mountain’s notorious reputation grew after Paula Welden vanished while hiking in 1946. Through books, documentaries, and community gatherings, you’re witnessing how these chilling tales continue shaping the region’s identity.
Search Parties and Unexplained Footprints
After Carol Herrick vanished during a 1943 hunting trip near Glastenbury, Vermont, his mysterious case launched one of the region’s most perplexing search and rescue operations.
Multiple search parties combed the wilderness using innovative search tactics, but three days passed before they found him near his hunting gear with unexplainable injuries.
What you’ll find most intriguing about this case is the footprint analysis that followed.
Large, unidentifiable tracks surrounded Herrick’s body, suggesting the presence of an unknown creature. These weren’t typical animal prints – they matched descriptions of the legendary “Bennington Monster,” a massive hair-covered being with glowing eyes.
While no scientific evidence exists to verify these claims, the mysterious footprints deeply affected future search operations, as volunteers reported strange phenomena that complicated their efforts to locate other missing persons in the area.
A Legacy of Paranormal Activity
Long before Carol Herrick’s tragic death, the Glastenbury wilderness harbored a rich tapestry of paranormal folklore rooted in Algonquin legends warning of malevolent mountain spirits.
Local legends tell of a powerful curse that plagues the region, manifesting through unexplained disappearances and supernatural phenomena.
Ancient whispers speak of dark forces haunting these mountains, where mysterious forces claim those who dare venture too deep.
You’ll find this legacy of mystery intensified after Herrick’s death, as paranormal investigations documented strange lights, massive unexplained sounds, and sightings of the notorious Bennington Monster.
The area’s reputation grew darker with James Tedford’s puzzling vanishing in 1949 and reports of time distortions from surviving hikers.
The term “Bennington Triangle,” coined in 1992, now captures the essence of this haunted region where witnesses continue to report cryptid encounters and otherworldly experiences that defy scientific explanation.
Exploring the Ghost Town Today
You’ll need to navigate rugged terrain and unmarked paths to access the remnants of Glastenbury, with the main entry points following old logging roads and hiking trails through Vermont’s dense Green Mountain forests.
At “The Forks,” where Bolles Brook‘s branches converge, you can explore the former village center and discover scattered brick charcoal kilns that mark the town’s industrial heritage.
Your exploration should be well-planned, as the site lacks modern infrastructure and signage, though you’ll find foundations of the old boardinghouse, store, and schoolhouse among the wilderness that has reclaimed this historic settlement.
Ghost Town Access Points
While exploring the ghost town of Herrick requires careful planning, visitors must navigate several distinct access challenges.
You’ll find gravel roads leading through private properties with strict parking restrictions, requiring strategic parking spots away from residential areas. The trailhead entrance typically demands a hike from designated parking zones, following old railroad beds and logging paths into the dense forest.
- Watch for handwritten no-parking signs posted by local residents
- Prepare for rough terrain requiring appropriate vehicles and hiking gear
- Navigate using GPS as trail intersections can be confusing
- Respect private property boundaries near public forest access points
- Time your visit during autumn when foliage is clearer for better visibility
The intersection of public and private land demands careful attention to posted signs and property lines, ensuring respectful exploration of this historic site.
Trail Routes And Ruins
Once inside Herrick’s boundaries, explorers encounter a network of historic trails that tell the story of this abandoned Vermont settlement.
You’ll find these paths following old logging roads and rail grades, though they’ve been altered by decades of erosion and flooding. Trail navigation requires careful attention, as thick forest growth now obscures many original routes.
While exploring ruins, you’ll discover scattered remnants of the town’s past – foundations of lumber mills, weathered hotel remains, and fragments of the old trolley line.
These structures stand as silent witnesses to Herrick’s once-bustling existence. For your safety, stick to marked paths and avoid entering unstable buildings.
Remember to bring GPS equipment and topographical maps, as cell service is unreliable in this remote terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Indigenous Tribes Originally Inhabited the Herrick Area Before European Settlement?
You’ll find the Western Abenaki culture dominated this region, with Sokoki and Missisquoi bands establishing thriving communities, while Mahican and Mohawk peoples shared hunting grounds in Native American history.
Were There Any Documented Mining Accidents or Disasters in Herrick?
Drawing a blank, you won’t find mining safety records or accident reports for this area. Historical documentation shows no evidence of mining disasters – the region’s darker history centers on wilderness-related fatalities.
What Was the Population of Herrick During Its Peak Years?
You won’t find clear historical census records for peak population figures – while the area was primarily used for hunting, nearby Glastenbury’s peak of 241 residents in 1880 provides the best regional context.
Did Any Famous Historical Figures Ever Visit or Stay in Herrick?
You won’t find any famous visitors or historical figures documented as staying there. Historical records don’t show any visits of significance, with the area’s prominence coming from mysterious disappearances instead.
How Did Early Settlers Access Herrick Before Modern Roads Were Built?
You’d have made your way along indigenous trails, navigated rivers by canoe, and used animal-powered sleds in winter. Early transportation relied heavily on waterways and natural pathways, overcoming settlement challenges together.
References
- https://obscurevermont.com/the-vanished-town-of-glastenbury-and-the-bennington-triangle/
- https://chatnewstoday.ca/2023/10/12/the-bennington-disappearances-vermonts-very-own-bermuda-triangle/
- https://husheduphistory.com/post/752239038412603392/mystery-and-missing-the-tragic-trails-of-the
- https://www.misfitsandmysteries.com/post/watch-out-for-this-region-in-vermont-you-might-just-disappear
- https://navigatingadvocacy.com/episodes/benningtontriangle
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/bennington-triangle-vermont/
- https://cynthiapratt.com/lost-among-the-trees-glastenbury/
- https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2023/10/12/the-bennington-disappearances-vermonts-very-own-bermuda-triangle/
- http://www.riseupparanormal.com/database/benningtontriangle.htm
- https://astonishinglegends.com/astonishing-legends/2024/10/24/bennington-monster
