The Cryptid Series: Midwest Cryptids - Epsiode 20

10/10/24 • 49 min

Hopkinsville Goblins
In 1955, a family in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, reported a terrifying encounter with small, alien-like creatures that emerged from the woods surrounding their farmhouse. Described as having glowing eyes and long, spindly limbs, these "goblins" allegedly approached the house, prompting the family to fire shots at them in a panic. The incident drew significant media attention and sparked numerous theories about extraterrestrial life and folklore, cementing the Hopkinsville Goblins as a prominent part of American cryptid lore.

Loveland Frogman
The Loveland Frogman, first reported in 1955 near Loveland, Ohio, is a humanoid amphibian said to stand about four feet tall and have frog-like features. Witnesses describe it as having smooth skin, webbed hands, and a face reminiscent of a frog. The most notable sighting occurred when a businessman claimed to see the creature by the side of the road. This peculiar being has since become a local legend, inspiring tales of mystery and a thriving folklore community centered around the creature.

Popelick Monster
The Popelick Monster, often depicted as a terrifying hybrid of man and goat, haunts the Popelick train trestle in Louisville, Kentucky. Local legend suggests that the creature lures unsuspecting victims onto the trestle, where they meet a grisly fate. Descriptions vary, but it is typically said to have the body of a man and the head of a goat, sometimes featuring glowing eyes. This cryptid has become a staple of urban legends in the region, evoking fear and fascination among locals and thrill-seekers alike.

These cryptids not only represent intriguing tales of the unknown but also reflect the cultural and social narratives of the areas they inhabit.

These cryptids not only represent intriguing tales of the unknown but also reflect the cultural and social narratives of the areas they inhabit.

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The Cryptid Series: Mothman Part 1 Episode 19

The Mothman is one of the most famous cryptids in American folklore, often described as a large, humanoid creature with massive wings and glowing red eyes. The legend of Mothman began in 1966, when two couples in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, reported seeing a strange, man-like figure with wings and eyes that "glowed red in the car headlights." This sighting sparked a series of similar reports, with many witnesses claiming to have seen a flying creature stalking the area.

The most famous aspect of the Mothman legend is its association with tragedy. Many believe that Mothman is a harbinger of doom, with the most notable event linked to the creature being the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967. The disaster claimed 46 lives, and some locals claim that Mothman sightings served as an eerie warning of the impending tragedy.

Since then, Mothman has become a staple of cryptid lore, with enthusiasts, investigators, and skeptics all offering different explanations—ranging from a misidentified bird to an alien or interdimensional being. The town of Point Pleasant now celebrates its connection to the creature with an annual Mothman Festival and a dedicated museum.

Whether Mothman is a figment of imagination, a misunderstood animal, or something more paranormal, the legend continues to capture the public's fascination, making it one of the most enduring mysteries of the modern age.

Find out on the next Haunted Garage.

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Missouri State Penitentiary - Haunted Garage - Episode 21

The Missouri State Penitentiary, operational from 1836 to 2004, is notorious for its dark history and reported hauntings. Located in Jefferson City, this once-infamous prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals and witnessed numerous executions, violent incidents, and tragic deaths.

Visitors and paranormal enthusiasts frequently report ghostly encounters, including the sounds of disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps, and eerie whispers echoing through the empty halls. Many believe the spirits of former inmates linger, unable to find peace after their traumatic experiences. The most famous ghostly sightings include that of a former inmate known as “The Hangman,” who is said to roam the execution chamber, and the specters of inmates in their old cells.

Guided ghost tours of the penitentiary have become popular, drawing those curious about its haunted reputation. The combination of its brutal past and the countless stories of spectral encounters has established the Missouri State Penitentiary as a significant site in the realm of American ghost lore, captivating both historians and thrill-seekers alike.