9 Strange Landmarks in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an eccentric and spectacular destination in the USA; beauty and magic meet here. Across the state are iconic, eye-popping, and hair-raising landmarks that inspire a sense of awe. From the Mystery Hill in Salem to an Amputated Leg Gravestone in Washington, step into a world of oddities by visiting these nine Strangest Landmarks in New Hampshire.

Purgatory Falls, Lyndeborough

This waterfall in Lyndeborough is more than its gorgeous looks. According to local legend, Purgatory Falls was used by Satan as his kitchen. Today, features within the Falls are "evidence" of this mythical story. Around the upper falls, there's a wide depression in the rock known as "The Devil's Bean Pot." Elsewhere, another depression is on a rock known as “the Devil's Footprint." Even though the stories might be imaginary, the local significance of this landmark is not.

Sunken Forests of Rye

In New Hampshire, the Sunken Forests of Rye tells a story of time's passage and nature's resilience. These ancient trees, now submerged, once stood tall on land that has become a coastline. Visible during low tide, their ghostly stumps create a surreal landscape that sparks curiosity and awe. These trees, dating back thousands of years, remind us how dramatically our environment can change. The area, now a blend of history and natural beauty, draws bird watchers and nature lovers who appreciate its unique charm. This hauntingly beautiful site not only captivates visitors but also highlights the ongoing dialogue between land and sea, reminding us of the relentless force of nature and the ever-shifting earth beneath our feet. The Sunken Forests of Rye are more than just a geological oddity—they are a testament to the enduring legacy of nature's power and transformation.

The Sunken Forests of Rye are not petrified. Petrified forests occur when trees turn into stone through the process of permineralization. In contrast, the Sunken Forests of Rye consist of ancient tree stumps that remain in their original organic form. These trees were submerged due to rising sea levels thousands of years ago, but they haven't undergone the mineralization process that characterizes petrified wood.

Madame Sherri's Castle, Chesterfield

Deep in a forest in Chesterfield lies an ancient castle, now in ruins. This castle was owned by New York costume designer Madame Sherri, who used to host lavish parties in the building in her prime. Her prohibition-era parties were the talk of the town, and everyone sought to have an invitation. The strange part is that this once beautiful and grand mansion is in the middle of a forest, which is a weird choice of location to build a house and host parties. With time, Sherri lost her wealth and became poor, exposing the mansion to deterioration until she eventually died in 1965. What is left of this grand castle is now its staircase, the foundation, a cellar section, and stone columns. The 513-acre property where the castle ruins lay is now known as Madame Sherri Forest and features other attractions like trails and ponds. The property is maintained by the Forest Society.

Amputated Leg Gravestone, Washington

Gravestones are usually for entire bodies, but in a cemetery in Washington, New Hampshire, there is a unique marker for an amputated leg belonging to Samuel Jones. According to the story, Jones was just 26 years old when an accident occurred while he was part of a crew moving a building. His foot got trapped between the building and a fence, necessitating a rushed trip to the hospital. There, doctors informed him that amputation was the only solution to save his life. During that time, it was believed that a proper burial for amputated limbs could alleviate phantom pains, a belief that Jones adhered to. Thus, he buried his leg in Washington, New Hampshire. As for the rest of his body, many speculate that he is laid to rest somewhere in the Bronx, New York.

Memorial Arch of Tilton, Northfield

The Memorial Arch of Tilton, located in Tilton, New Hampshire, stands as a grand tribute to Charles Tilton's patriotic fervor and desire to honor his family's legacy. Erected in 1882, this impressive structure spans Route 3 and resembles the Arch of Titus in Rome, symbolizing victory and honor. Made of granite, the arch reaches a height of 55 feet and is adorned with intricate carvings, including eagles, shields, and inscriptions that reflect American pride and history. The site is not only an architectural marvel but also a piece of local heritage, drawing visitors who appreciate its historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Whether viewed from afar or explored up close, the Memorial Arch serves as a lasting reminder of the impact one individual’s tribute can have on a community. Its presence continues to inspire admiration and respect for the values it represents.

Ponemah Bog Wildlife Refuge, Amherst

The Ponemah Bog is filled with carnivorous plants, some of the rarest of plant species. Thus, the forest is a draw for botanists, plant enthusiasts, and anyone curious and willing to believe that plants eat insects. From the Pitcher Plants and Bladderworts to Sundews, the forest and its swamps are home to many carnivorous plants. Visitors can explore the forest via the Bog Trail to see these plants, especially the Pitcher Plants, which are the dominant species. There is a high chance that a tourist can witness one of the plants preying on an unsuspecting insect by dissolving it as soon as it lands on its cone-shaped traps. However, the Bog is not all about predator plants; it features other plant species such as bog laurel, leather leaf, rhodora, oak pines, pitch pine, black spruce, and white pine.

Madison Boulder, Madison

The Madison Boulder, located in Madison, New Hampshire, is a colossal glacier erratic that commands attention. This immense rock, deposited by a glacier at the end of the last ice age around 14,000 years ago, weighs approximately 5,000 tons. Standing 23 feet tall, 37 feet wide, and stretching 83 feet in length, it is one of the largest of its kind in North America and the largest in New England. Visitors can explore this geological marvel within a 17-acre site that is now a designated National Natural Landmark, accessible via a short hike. The sheer size and presence of the Madison Boulder highlight the incredible power of glaciers, capable of transporting massive blocks of fractured bedrock across great distances. Despite millennia of exposure to wind and water erosion, the boulder remains steadfast, a testament to the enduring forces of nature and a fascinating piece of Earth's dynamic history.

Mystery Hill, Salem

Often called America's Stonehenge, Mystery Hill in Salem is shrouded in mystery. This archaeological site, situated on an exposed bedrock summit, features a complex arrangement of stone walls, chambers, groves, enclosures, niches, and basins. The 30-acre site also includes natural caves, springs, stone cairns, and standing stones. The true enigma lies in who constructed and arranged these features and when. Numerous theories exist, with some suggesting Irish monks built the site, while others propose it was created by Jonathan Pattee in the 1820s. However, most archaeologists believe it was the work of local farmers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The site's purpose remains uncertain, with various speculative ideas adding to its intrigue. Mystery Hill continues to captivate visitors, inviting them to ponder its origins and the stories embedded in its ancient stones.

Betty and Barney Hill Abduction Site, US Route 3, Lincoln

The story behind this site is quite captivating, especially for UFO enthusiasts. In September 1961, an American couple, Betty and Barney Hill, were driving back from Montreal along Route 3 near Lancaster when they allegedly encountered an alien spaceship and were abducted for about two hours. Initially, the couple had no recollection of the events during those hours. However, Betty later experienced a series of vivid dreams detailing the abduction, which soon gained widespread attention. While some skeptics dismiss their account as a product of imagination, many others believe in its authenticity, making it one of the most famous UFO abduction stories in the United States. Today, a commemorative sign on Route 3 in Lincoln marks the site of this extraordinary event. Located at the Indian Head Resort, visitors can also find a nearby gas station offering more information about the Hill's intriguing encounter.

Conclusion

Stepping away from the ordinary and diving into a world of unique and rare experiences can truly enhance one's travel adventures. Luckily, New Hampshire is brimming with bizarre attractions that will captivate curious minds and reveal the extraordinary hidden within everyday life. These attractions are not only unconventional but also serve as reminders that the world around us holds far more than what we encounter in our daily routines. For travelers seeking something different, New Hampshire offers a treasure trove of unusual sights that challenge perceptions and inspire wonder.