Purgatory Chasm

A Brief History: Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, Purgatory Chasm is a natural landmark that was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The chasm itself is 120 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 150 feet deep. There is a footbridge that crosses the chasm and allows you to look right down into it. Erosion caused by the seawater expands the chasm each year. People used to jump across it, but are no longer able to do so. Nearby is a giant, rocky cliff that overlooks Second Beach and Sachuest Point. You can also jump off parts of the cliff into the water below, if you dare. However, it was a less fortunate leap at the chasm that gives the site it’s infamous reputation.

Haunted History: Legend has it that a Native American man was chasing a young lady who had caught his fancy. She made the leap across the chasm, but he slipped and fell to his death in the chasm below. Some believe he is still trapped in the bottom of the fissure looking for his ladylove. Some have reported unexplained screams in the night and others have seen an unknown figure moving around about the chasm, almost as if looking for something…or someone.