The Jersey Devil

Photo by Matthew Wright.

by Barby

THE NEW JERSEY DEVIL

According to legend, when Jane Leeds, also known as “Mother Leeds,” discovered she was pregnant with her 13th child, she cursed the fetus in frustration.  This was primarily because her husband, although a hardworking man, was a somewhat uninvolved father.  Therefore, the burden of caring for their many children often fell entirely on Jane and Jane alone.  This led her into a pit of irritation, mixed with twinges of grief and hopelessness.  She shouted that this child- her 13th child-would be the devil.  In 1753, Mother Leeds went into labor.  The child was born a normal and healthy baby, but soon transformed into a hateful creature with hooves, horns, the head of a goat, the wings of a bat, and a forked tail.  After assaulting everyone present for the birth, it flew up the chimney and into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.  It’s also been said that the child’s father may have been the devil himself.  

There have since been countless sightings of the New Jersey Devil wandering about, and in 1840 the creature was suspected in having a little more than something to do with a massive livestock slaughter. It is known to have a bellowing, shrill scream.  Sightings have been reported not only in the Pine Barrens, but in areas of Delaware, Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Maryland as well.  It’s rumored that the Philadelphia Zoo posted a $10,000 reward for the creature around 1909, when sightings were heavily publicized. 

Many hypothesize that though such a creature MAY actually exist- that it isn’t this dark, mysterious entity it was once believed to be.  Some say that the Jersey Devil could be just another animal, a rare breed not yet fully recognized in scientific studies.  But others aren’t so certain..., and in popular culture surrounding New Jersey, the legend lives on and thrives.

The Jersey Devil has since become the namesake for two ice hockey teams.  Additionally, Six Flags Great Adventure, which is located in Jackson NJ, has an up and coming roller coaster that proudly boasts the name of “The Jersey Devil Coaster.”  Moreover, the legend has been referenced in works such as The X-Files, TMNT, Gravity Falls, etc.

So whether or not it’s horrific backstory reigns true- it is clear that the legend of the Jersey Devil has left a lasting impact on the state of New Jersey.... and American folklore in general.  Some stories just leave a permanent mark on civilization, prompting people to explore further.  And if this Devil is really out there, wandering the Pine Barrens, is still yet to be confirmed.