Do you know of a few Maryland myths and legends? While it’s fun to imagine some of the state’s urban legends to be true, others would be downright horrifying if they came to life. If you haven’t heard of Maryland’s mythical Goatman, then sit back, relax, and prepare for one of the most unusual tales imaginable…

John D./Flickr
According to local legend, there was once a scientist working at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and his job included experimenting with animal DNA. One day an experiment went horribly wrong when goat DNA came into contact with the scientist's blood. The man mutated into a horrifying half-goat, half-man, with a craving thirst for blood.
Flickr / Matthew O'Thompsonski
For decades it's been said that the creature roams parts of Beltsville and Bowie at night, seeking humans to devour. His weapon of choice is an axe.

His stalking grounds are said to be from Fletchertown Road to Governor's Bridge Road. Those feeling brave will park their vehicle near the bridge at night and turn off all of their lights, seeing if they can spot the elusive Goatman.

Related Stories

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Maryland Will Transport You To Another World

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Maryland Will Transport You To Another World

 You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Elli Mochi Donuts In Maryland

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Elli Mochi Donuts In Maryland

 With Its Own Private Playground, This Incredible Restaurant In Maryland Is Perfect For Families

With Its Own Private Playground, This Incredible Restaurant In Maryland Is Perfect For Families
Dorian Frost/Google
This figure has basically become Maryland's Bigfoot. Every few years, someone claims to have caught an image of Goatman wandering around the side of the road or in the woods.
Johnny Blunt/Google
The area around Governor Bridge is certainly creepy enough that one could envision a Goatman skulking about among the trees. It’s not the kind of place one would like to find themselves at night. If you’re going to look for the Goatman, know that Governor Bridge is temporarily closed, but you never know…he might still be lurking nearby.

Are you familiar with the story of Goatman? Would you be brave enough to visit Fletchertown Road or Governor’s Bridge at night? Let us know in the comments. Did you know there is a haunted bridge in Maryland?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Amazing Myths And Legends Of Maryland

William Suphan | January 07, 2023

What is the story behind the haunted abandoned house in Baltimore County?

The story behind the haunted abandoned house in Baltimore County says:

This house once belonged to the family of Stephen Craig Johnson and his wife and infant son. Stephen was said to have severe addiction issues and in 1983, on Christmas Day, he lost his mind and believed that his son was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and had to die for the sins of mankind. As he went to grab his child, his wife violently struggled with him and then went next door to call the police. The police arrived to find Stephen holding his decapitated son’s body. Now the house is said to be filled with evil.

Find out more about the haunted abandoned house in Baltimore County. 

What is the story behind Gravity Hill in Maryland?

The story behind Gravity Hill in Maryland goes as follows:

The town of Burkittsville is where the Blair Witch Project was filmed, specifically at a place called Spook Hill. At the bottom of this hill is where it is said that if you park your car there and put it in neutral, it will roll uphill. There is disagreement as to whether this is some kind of optical illusion or if it is the result of supernatural phenomena. 

Discover more about Gravity Hill in Maryland. 

What are some of the most haunted places in Maryland?

The most haunted places in Maryland are said to be:

  • Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House. This house in Waldorf was where John Wilkes Booth hid after his assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. People report seeing the indentation of a body on the bed when no one is on it.
  • Fort McHenry. This was a prison for Confederate soldiers of the Civil War and was also a hospital for soldiers in World War I. People claim to see figures wandering the halls and feel like they are being watched.
  • Maryland State House. Located in Annapolis, visitors to this place report seeing the ghost of a soldier from the Revolutionary War roaming the grounds.

Learn more about the most haunted places in Maryland. 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Maryland, USA