Lake Champlain Monster
Although Loch Ness gets most of the praise and attention, it isn’t the only infamous lake monster in the world. Enter the Lake Champlain Monster, lovingly known by locals as ‘Champ’. Champ resides in Lake Champlain and is known as America’s Loch Ness Monster. With over 300 reported sightings dating all the way back to 1609, it’s easy to see why.
As the Adirondack’s largest lake, it’s no surprise that it may hold some secrets. But is one of them a giant lake monster? According to lore, ‘Champ’ goes back centuries. In fact, it is said that the Abenaki and Iroquois both had legends about a large lake creature in the lake. These legends were so frightening that the Abenakis went as far as warning French explorers about disturbing the lake too much, for fear it may rouse the giant water serpent.
Samuel de Champlain, who the lake is named for, even had a sighting with Champ. According to Lake Champlain Region, “[T]here is also a great abundance of many species of fish. Amongst others there is one called by the natives Chaousarou, which is of various lengths; but the largest of them, as these tribes have told me, are from eight to ten feet long. I have seen some five feet long, which were as big as my thigh, and had a head as large as my two fists, with a snout two feet and a half long, and a double row of very sharp, dangerous teeth. Its body has a good deal the shape of the pike; but it is protected by scales of a silvery gray colour and so strong that a dagger could not pierce them." However, it should be noted, that many believe this story to be a made-up quote.
Another story, published in the Plattsburgh Republican in 1819, shares the tale of Captain Crum, who reported seeing a serpentine creature 187-feet long in the water. He attempted to out maneuver the creature, but it followed him. Crum’s description was more vivid than most and said the serpent has eyes the color of peeled onions and three teeth.
The 1800s were a popular time for Champ and included sightings from reputable witnesses, including a sheriff. A prominent Yale scientist, Benjamin Silliman, said he was open to the possibility that a lake monster existed. In fact, even the New York Times reported on a railroad crew that had seen the head of a giant serpent with silver scales in Lake Champlain. Never one to miss a popular legend, P.T. Barnus offered the fabulous sum of $50,000 for the hide of the monster.
According to Lake Champlain Region, by 1992 there were over 180 confirmed sightings and about 600 people who had claimed to see Champ through the decades.
In general, Champ is typically described as anywhere between 10-20 feet long, grey, wih smooth skin, and a horse-like head.
To this day, Champ inspires many to go searching for him. In fact, there is even an official group called The Champ Search Group and directed by Katy Elizabeth, of Ferrisburg, VT. Some are convinced that Champ is a Basilosaurus, which is a prehistoric whale long extinct.
While there is no definitive proof of Champ’s existence, there have been dozens of eyewitness accounts and some scant photo and video footage that allows Champ’s legend to live on.
Thanks to Stacey C. for this suggested blog topic!
The above image is of Lake Champlain from Rattlesnake Mountain, Willsboro NY by Annacecchini. It is liscensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
