Posted in Delaware July 29, 2017 by

The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Delaware Pond Will Give You Chills

Delaware is full of beautiful parks, gorgeous ponds, and serene hiking trails. However, because of the long history of the state, we’ve got our fair share of spooky stories and haunted history. Did you know that one of the state’s most visited park has a dark and evil history, and that paranormal activities are reported to this day?

Lums Pond is Delaware's largest freshwater pond and one of the most popular State Parks.
Flickr / Mandy Jansen
Visitors can explore miles of trails, paddle out on rented kayaks or canoes, enjoy nature hikes and guided paddles, or just sit by the pond for a relaxing day on the water.
However, not everything about Lums Pond is as peaceful as it seems.
Facebook / LPSP
According to local legend, as well as the Delaware State Archives and several online sources, Lums Pond was once the site of a gruesome murder.
In the 1870s, a young woman had run away from home and was seeking shelter in the woods behind Lums Pond.
Facebook / LPSP
There, she unfortunatley met her end. She ran into a crazed man who assaulted her, raped her, and murdered her - right where Lums Pond's Swamp Trail is blazed to this day.
To this day, muffled screams and high-pitched pleas can be heard when all else is quiet in the woods behind the pond.
Facebook / LPSP
The murderer was never apprehended.
Though it is the most well known tale of the hauntings here, it is far from the only interesting bit of the pond's past.
Facebook / LPSP
The pond and park were named after John Lum and his son, who ran a millhouse on the C&D Canal. Though the house was donated to the state in 1966, and it had long been decomissioned, it was still reported that visitors saw the father and son pair working on the mill and wandering the grounds. Sounds of water wheels running were common enough that visitors would seek out the source - finding nothing when they got closer, of course.

Another strange happening at Lums Pond can be attributed to slaves who did not make it to freedom along the Underground Railroad, which included stops in and around the park. Apparitions, and strange sounds may be these poor souls, still searching for their peace.
So be aware, Delawareans, that even our most serene places can have a dark history behind them.
Facebook / LPSP
And also take note that Lums Pond is open for camping - are you brave enough to stay overnight?

Visit the park at 1068 Howell School Road Bear, Delaware.

Read more about Delaware’s most chilling hauntings here.