Mysterious Goatman of Maryland: Encounters and Legendary Tales
Posted Friday, January 19, 2024
By Squatchable.com staff
In a recent video from TCC Research, the legend of the Goatman of Maryland is explored. This half-human, half-goat creature is said to roam the back roads of Beltsville, Maryland, carrying an ax and striking fear into the hearts of those who encounter it.
According to legend, the Goatman was once a scientist who worked at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. An experiment gone wrong is said to have turned him into the creature he is today, and he now takes his anger out on passing cars. Another variation of the legend tells of the Goatman as an old hermit who lives in the woods and is seen walking alone at night along Fletcher Town Road.
Folklorist Barry Lee Pearson, from the University of Maryland, suggests that modern examples of folk legends like the Goatman are most commonly generated by teenagers and often stir interest in sites like Fletcher Town Road. The Goatman has been described as being between six and seven feet tall, and sightings date back to around 1957. However, the legend has spread beyond Maryland, with sightings reported in Texas, California, Indiana, and Canada.
Prince George's County, Maryland, is home to Crybaby Bridge, where it is said that if you go there in the dead of night, you will hear the sounds of a goat's brain. While there are multiple bridges with this name, it is believed that the one in Prince George's County is the actual Crybaby Bridge. Some people attempt to tie the Goatman to Greek mythology, with Pan being a half human, half goat type of creature. Others tie the Goatman to the Devil Himself.
Prince George's County is also home to the site of the demon-possessed boy, which inspired the hit movie The Exorcist. The Goatman is said to not only stalk and terrify humans but also snatch and kill small pets such as dogs and cats. Numerous carcasses have been found over the years, and the Goatman has been blamed for their deaths.
The Goatman is an interesting legend for many reasons, from its ties with the Devil to stalking lovers in parked cars to killing family pets. It continues to strike fear in some people and appears to be here to stay. So, if you're driving or visiting Maryland, keep your ears sharp for the sound of a goat's brain and your eyes peeled for the glimmering of an ax, because you never know when the Goatman will strike next.
As a curator of this video, I encourage you to watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. The legend of the Goatman is just one of many fascinating folk legends out there, and it's always interesting to learn more about them. Who knows, you may even have your own encounter with the Goatman one day. In the meantime, be sure to check out TCC Research's sightings map for more information on this and other legends.