In case you haven’t been sufficiently spooked out by the new Stephen King movie, we’ve got the story of a cursed Maine place that just might send you over the edge. We’ve all heard the tale of Colonel Buck’s cursed tomb, but did you know that there’s a Maine river that carries a curse in its moving current? You might be surprised to know that this is not a river off-the-beaten path in The County. In fact, you’ve probably been near it many times!
Have you ever been on the Saco River overcome with a feeling of fear?
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If so, this story might explain why.
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There is more than one version of this eerie tale, but all date back to around 1675 in Maine.
Boston Public Library / Flickr
Most versions of the tale agree that Chief Squando of the Saco tribe was traveling with his wife and baby on the river.
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They soon came upon drunk and boisterous English sailors who, in a scuffle, took the baby from the arms of the Chief’s wife and tossed the child into the Saco River.
jackflanagan / Flickr
Some say this happened at the Limington Rips.
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While the baby was saved from the current, he died a few days later leaving behind a grieving Squando.
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Squando, who was known to carry a strong spiritual energy, is said to have cursed the river ensuring that no less than three people would be killed by the Saco River each year.
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While there seems to be no historical mention of the curse until 1880, there have been drowning deaths on the river for centuries.
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Today, if you choose to spend your time on what has been called the “River of Death” be sure to exercise caution - you never know when the curse will take another soul…
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Have you ever experienced anything strange while canoeing, kayaking or just generally spending time around the Saco River? If so, let us know in the comments. While historical accounts of stories like this always seem to vary, we do love to hear your take on things. Is this real? Or just a silly story used to scary kids?
jennratonmort / Flickr
nhoulihan / Flickr
Boston Public Library / Flickr
jackflanagan / Flickr
dougtone / Flickr
lonewolfhdr / Flickr
azzutrippin / Flickr
joestpierre / Flickr
For more creepy Maine tales, check out the 8 most terrifying places in the state by clicking here.
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