This Spooky Small Town In Rhode Island Could Be Right Out Of A Horror Movie
Rhode Island is so small that those of us that grew up here have left few things uncovered. Many of us have memorized the twisty rural roads in south county, the beautiful hiking trails in Blackstone Valley and northern communities, and we even know most city streets across Providence and its surrounding urban areas. Still, there are a few places many of us have either heard about and intentionally avoided out of fear, or have dared to explore. Exeter is one of those towns for several reasons.
The spooky small town of Exeter is found in Washington County. Partially along the Connecticut border, this is definitely one of the more rural areas of the state.
From its outer appearance, you might not realize how spooky its history really is. While it is known for natural beauty and offers amazing hiking trails, parks, and forested areas, the town has international attention for a much darker reason.
Many folklorists and paranormal investigators from all over the world know Exeter as the home of an alleged vampire. More than a century after the incident, the legend of Mercy Brown, a young woman who had perished from tuberculosis in Rhode Island, lives on.
The New England Vampire Panic, a confused and tragic reaction to tuberculosis, occurred in the 19th century with Rhode Island at the forefront. It was believed that deceased family members were causing their surviving relatives to fall ill and the only way to stop it was to burn the internal organs of those in the grave.
If that's not horrifying enough, this particular incident will be sure to give you the creeps. When Mercy Brown's body was exhumed at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, there were signs that she had not only moved in her grave, but showed little evidence of decomposition.
Though there are many probable explanations for this, the popular belief at the time was that she was proof of the existence of vampires. Thus began the legend of Mercy Brown, known vampire of Rhode Island.
The surrounding cemetery and different parts of the town have also had several accounts of paranormal activity and ghost sightings. If you're looking for a truly spooky place to experience, Exeter makes a wonderful stop.
Have you been to this spooky small town in Rhode Island? For more spooky tales from Little Rhody, click here.
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