LORES & LEGENDS OF VIRGINIA

Soy wax candle labeled "vampire's veil" next to a decorative skull on a wooden surface, with a red fabric backdrop and a humorous caution text about visiting cemeteries after dark.

The Legend of the Richmond Vampire

Origins of the Legend

The vampire legend is closely tied to a tragic event that occurred on October 2, 1925. On that fateful day, the Church Hill Tunnel, an old railway passage, collapsed during renovation work. The disaster claimed several lives and sparked a series of mysterious sightings.

The Ghastly Apparition

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a blood-covered figure with sharp, fang-like teeth emerging from the tunnel's entrance. This grotesque apparition was said to have fled towards Hollywood Cemetery, disappearing into a mausoleum.

Fact vs. Fiction

Historical records suggest that the "vampire" may have been Benjamin Mosby, a railway worker severely injured in the tunnel collapse. Mosby, with his face disfigured and teeth broken, likely fled the scene seeking help.

Green soy wax candle labeled "bigfoot's blaze." Text beside it humorously cautions that the candle may attract cryptozoologists and woodland creatures, advising to keep it out of reach of sasquatches.

The Elusive Giant
of the Blue Ridge

Origins of the Virginia Bigfoot

While Bigfoot sightings are often associated with the Pacific Northwest, Virginia has its own rich history of encounters with the elusive cryptid. Reports of a large, ape-like creature in the state's woodlands date back to Native American lore.

Characteristics of the Virginia Bigfoot

According to eyewitness reports, the Virginia Bigfoot is described as:

  • Standing 8-9 feet tall

  • Covered in dark brown hair

  • Possessing glowing red eyes

  • Capable of emitting high-pitched vocalizations

The Search Continues

While skeptics dismiss sightings as misidentifications or hoaxes, believers remain convinced that somewhere in the vast forests of Virginia, a population of these mysterious creatures continues to elude human detection. As long as the legend persists, the Virginia Bigfoot will remain a captivating part of the state's folklore, inspiring both fear and wonder in those who venture into its wild places.

Black soy wax candle labeled "Chessie's Cove," hand-poured in Radford, Virginia by Trillium Candle Co. with caution text about inspiring boat trips and whale-watching, on a blue background.

The Enigma of Chesapeake Bay

Origins of the Legend

The tale of Chessie dates back to the early 20th century, with sporadic sightings reported by fishermen and boaters. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that the legend truly took hold in the public consciousness.

Notable Sightings

Over the years, numerous encounters with Chessie have been reported:

  • In 1978, multiple witnesses claimed to have seen the creature near Calvert Cliffs State Park.

  • The most famous sighting occurred in 1982 when Robert Frew captured video footage of what appeared to be a large, serpentine creature in the bay.

  • In 1997, a group of Boy Scouts reported seeing Chessie while camping near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Cultural Impact

Whether Chessie is a product of imagination, misidentification, or an undiscovered species, the legend intrigues and inspires. As long as the waters of Chesapeake Bay remain mysterious, the tale of Chessie will endure, reminding us of the wonder and possibility that still exists in our natural world.