King Phillip's Cave Mystery
Legend says, King Philip camped out in the cave the night before travelling to Mount Hope where he was later captured and killed, however there is no evidence that is true.
Located in an area called Rocky Woods, King Phillips Cave remains mostly undiscovered. During the 1950’s archaeological digs of the cave and the surrounding area were done. Some broken medicine bottles and Native American artifacts were recovered.
The land owner has now entered into a 20-year lease of the land to a solar farm company. The "culturally Significant" areas were flagged after they conducted land-clearing. Several vernal ponds were destroyed and culverts were installed.
Legend says, King Philip camped out in the cave the night before travelling to Mount Hope where he was later captured and killed, however there is no evidence that is true.
Located in an area called Rocky Woods, King Phillips Cave remains mostly undiscovered. During the 1950’s archaeological digs of the cave and the surrounding area were done. Some broken medicine bottles and Native American artifacts were recovered.
The land owner has now entered into a 20-year lease of the land to a solar farm company. The "culturally Significant" areas were flagged after they conducted land-clearing. Several vernal ponds were destroyed and culverts were installed.
Ebenezer W. Pierce 1822-1902 Mystery
The legend begins in January 1862, when Colonel Ebenezer Peirce of the 29th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was about to be dispatched to the south to lead his troops into battle during the Civil War. Prior to leaving, he met a man who owned a black horse, Peirce admired the animal, made an offer and the purchased it. Pierce named the horse Midnight.
Midnight was placed aboard a steamer and sent to Newport News Virginia, the first of four trips Midnight he would make to Virginia while Colonel Pierce was was in the Army.
A couple of months later, Colonel Peirce and the 29th Massachusetts saw continuous action in the aborted attempt to take Richmond Virginia. During the battle, Peirce was, in his own words, “constantly in the saddle,” and both rider and horse survived several close calls. On June 30, 1862, the Rebels surprised the 29th Massachusetts in mucky Virginia’s White Oak Swamp. Colonel Peirce was standing next to Midnight directing troops when a cannonball struck him, ripping away his right arm just below the shoulder. The projectile continued on past Peirce, missed Midnight, but killed a soldier standing near-by. The coat that Peirce was wearing when he was wounded is today on display at the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton.
After a couple of months of recuperation Colonel Peirce and Midnight rejoined the regiment in time for the Second Manassas battle and then they returned to Assonet to spend the winter of 1862–63.
Pierce was given command of a brigade, thus being promoted to the rank of General, in General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Army Corps. It was during the campaign in East Tennessee, in the winter of 1863–64, that Peirce made his promise to the Midnight. Due to a food shortage conditions were as difficult for the army’s horses as they were for its soldiers, Peirce documented a particularly difficult evening:
"For several weeks the horse’s allowance was six ears of corn per day, and no grass, hay or fodder whatever; and during this time I had been on the march all day with nothing to eat. Night was coming on, and hunger at last tempted me to make inroads in the scanty allowance of my tried and faithful servant and companion in dangers and sorrows, and taking one ear of his corn I parched it and, sitting on the ground by his side, ate what I had taken, while he gnawed his from the cobs of the remaining five ears." It was clear that Colonel Pierce felt indebtedness to Midnight, and he explained how he intended to repay the animal:
While discussing that frugal meal I formed a resolution, repeated it to myself and also to the poor, tired and half-starved horse, and it was this: That as Saul and Jonathan, who in the most trying scenes of life were united, so like them in death myself and horse would not be divided; that should we survive the war and live to enjoy the blessings of peace, this patient steed, tried and true, should live with me, die with me, and find a grave with the rich in affection and proper appreciation at the feet of the father I honored and the mother I dearly loved, while my own remains should find a lodgment at his side."
General Peirce and Midnight both survived the war. Citing poor health, Peirce resigned his army commission on November 8, 1864 and he and Midnight arrived home in Assonet on Thanksgiving Day 1864. Peirce outlived Midnight by twenty-five years, and oddly kept the promise made on the battlefield. After a comfortable life on Peirce’s estate, the old warhorse died on February 22, 1877 and was buried the next day.
For more than a century there has been much debate regarding the location of Midnight’s resting place. Town cemetery records indicate that Midnight was buried in an unmarked grave near General Peirce and his second wife in the Assonet Burying Ground. On February 26, 1877 an unnamed correspondent reported on the horse’s burial for the Taunton Daily Gazette. He wrote that the animal’s body had been placed in a specially constructed box matted with hay, and then:
The cover was put on, and the box and its contents taken to General Pierce’s family burial ground, where, at the feet of the father he honored and the mother he dearly loved, a grave had been dug and nicely walled up. Two derricks were raised and tackles rigged by the aid of which the box was lowered into the grave . When fairly placed and disengaged from the ropes the cover was removed and the body found in no part scarcely to have moved . . . [General Peirce] placed his hand soothingly on the head, neck and nose, gave the body a searching look, contemplated it in silence for a moment, and then directed it covered. [An oversize American flag] was thrown over the body, covering it entirely, the cover put on and fastened, flagging stones laid over and the dirt thrown on.
As mentioned above Midnight was laid with General Peirce's parents - However they are buried, along with his first wife and infant son in the Lawton Cemetery, located in the yard of the present-day St. Bernard Catholic Church.
The legend begins in January 1862, when Colonel Ebenezer Peirce of the 29th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was about to be dispatched to the south to lead his troops into battle during the Civil War. Prior to leaving, he met a man who owned a black horse, Peirce admired the animal, made an offer and the purchased it. Pierce named the horse Midnight.
Midnight was placed aboard a steamer and sent to Newport News Virginia, the first of four trips Midnight he would make to Virginia while Colonel Pierce was was in the Army.
A couple of months later, Colonel Peirce and the 29th Massachusetts saw continuous action in the aborted attempt to take Richmond Virginia. During the battle, Peirce was, in his own words, “constantly in the saddle,” and both rider and horse survived several close calls. On June 30, 1862, the Rebels surprised the 29th Massachusetts in mucky Virginia’s White Oak Swamp. Colonel Peirce was standing next to Midnight directing troops when a cannonball struck him, ripping away his right arm just below the shoulder. The projectile continued on past Peirce, missed Midnight, but killed a soldier standing near-by. The coat that Peirce was wearing when he was wounded is today on display at the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton.
After a couple of months of recuperation Colonel Peirce and Midnight rejoined the regiment in time for the Second Manassas battle and then they returned to Assonet to spend the winter of 1862–63.
Pierce was given command of a brigade, thus being promoted to the rank of General, in General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Army Corps. It was during the campaign in East Tennessee, in the winter of 1863–64, that Peirce made his promise to the Midnight. Due to a food shortage conditions were as difficult for the army’s horses as they were for its soldiers, Peirce documented a particularly difficult evening:
"For several weeks the horse’s allowance was six ears of corn per day, and no grass, hay or fodder whatever; and during this time I had been on the march all day with nothing to eat. Night was coming on, and hunger at last tempted me to make inroads in the scanty allowance of my tried and faithful servant and companion in dangers and sorrows, and taking one ear of his corn I parched it and, sitting on the ground by his side, ate what I had taken, while he gnawed his from the cobs of the remaining five ears." It was clear that Colonel Pierce felt indebtedness to Midnight, and he explained how he intended to repay the animal:
While discussing that frugal meal I formed a resolution, repeated it to myself and also to the poor, tired and half-starved horse, and it was this: That as Saul and Jonathan, who in the most trying scenes of life were united, so like them in death myself and horse would not be divided; that should we survive the war and live to enjoy the blessings of peace, this patient steed, tried and true, should live with me, die with me, and find a grave with the rich in affection and proper appreciation at the feet of the father I honored and the mother I dearly loved, while my own remains should find a lodgment at his side."
General Peirce and Midnight both survived the war. Citing poor health, Peirce resigned his army commission on November 8, 1864 and he and Midnight arrived home in Assonet on Thanksgiving Day 1864. Peirce outlived Midnight by twenty-five years, and oddly kept the promise made on the battlefield. After a comfortable life on Peirce’s estate, the old warhorse died on February 22, 1877 and was buried the next day.
For more than a century there has been much debate regarding the location of Midnight’s resting place. Town cemetery records indicate that Midnight was buried in an unmarked grave near General Peirce and his second wife in the Assonet Burying Ground. On February 26, 1877 an unnamed correspondent reported on the horse’s burial for the Taunton Daily Gazette. He wrote that the animal’s body had been placed in a specially constructed box matted with hay, and then:
The cover was put on, and the box and its contents taken to General Pierce’s family burial ground, where, at the feet of the father he honored and the mother he dearly loved, a grave had been dug and nicely walled up. Two derricks were raised and tackles rigged by the aid of which the box was lowered into the grave . When fairly placed and disengaged from the ropes the cover was removed and the body found in no part scarcely to have moved . . . [General Peirce] placed his hand soothingly on the head, neck and nose, gave the body a searching look, contemplated it in silence for a moment, and then directed it covered. [An oversize American flag] was thrown over the body, covering it entirely, the cover put on and fastened, flagging stones laid over and the dirt thrown on.
As mentioned above Midnight was laid with General Peirce's parents - However they are buried, along with his first wife and infant son in the Lawton Cemetery, located in the yard of the present-day St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Fall River-Freetown State Forest Mystery
The forest is owned by the State of Massachusetts and is maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. In 1934 the first parcel of land, 323-acres, were purchased for $4500. The remaining acreage was purchased in 1935 and several small homes were leveled. There are several cemeteries inside the forest. Currently, the forest is 5,441 acres and has just over 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
The land that later became the Town of Freetown was purchased in 1659 from the Wampanoag Wamsutta. The Native Americans believed the land was highly sacred when Wamsutta sold it, possibly without the backing of the tribe. Many believe that events of the area have turned the once gentle spirits violent, attracting evil to it and it return being fed by the evil. Native Americans claim the horrible crimes will not stop until the tribe is given back the land.
Cult Activity
During the late 1970's and 1980's there were rumors of cult activity within the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. Initially, the police dismissed these claims and labeled them as left over "hippies" from the 1960's. As time went on, it was determined not to be "hippies" and there was in fact some type of activity going on. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of cult(s) in the forest. Many within the law enforcement community have long questioned to truthfulness of the stories and the alleged evidence. There is limited photographs, and no direct evidence of ties to a cult.
In August 1988 three (3) people were arrested for trespassing after they were found sleeping near a campfire surrounded by satanic symbols and candles. In a story in the Standard Times on Nov 1 1988, an article speculated the death of dozens of calves to be cult related. That same year the remains of Elizabeth Gregory, who was buried in a family cemetery in the forest since 1868, were stolen.
Pet Cemetery
The Pet Cemetery is located off Bell Rock Road inside the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. The land was donated by the City of Fall River, for use by the Fall River Animal Rescue League. The cemetery has not been used since the 1984. Recently the land was donated back to the Greater Fall River Land Conservancy, which will ensure the land will be preserved.
Wampanoag Nation Reservation 1939
The history of this reservation began with the Wattuppa Reservation (Fall River). In 1907 the City of Fall River took 100-acres of the "Watuppa Reservation" by eminent domain, in order to protect the city's drinking water supply.
In the 1939 the State of Massachusetts was under pressure from federal officials, and adopted The Acts of 1939 which provided 227-acres of land in Freetown to compensate the Wampanoags for the land the was taken by the City of Fall River in 1907. In 1976, an Executive Order from Governor Dukakis strengthened the Reservation by granting tribal rights to the Wampanoag Nation. The Wampanoags find it a deeply spiritual location and many of the religious ceremonies are held there.
Pukwedgies : Do they exist or just Wamponoag folklore ?
According to Wampanoag folklore: "A pukwudgie is a 2-3 foot tall troll whose features resemble those of a human but have larger noses, fingers and ears. Their skin is described as being smooth grey, and at times has been known to glow. Wampanoags believe that Pukwudgies are best left alone. If they are seen they shouldn't be messed with, or they will repay you by playing nasty tricks on you, following you or simply causing trouble. They were once friendly to humans, but they turned against them. They are known to supposedly kidnap people, push them off cliffs, attack their victims with short knives or spears, and to use sand to blind their victims."
"The legend of the Pukwudgie began in connection to Maushop, a mythical giant believed by the Wampanoag to have created Cape Cod. He was loved by the Wampanoags, but the Pukwudgies were jealous of the affection the Natives had for him. They became mischievous and aggravated the Natives until they asked Granny Squanit, Maushop’s wife, for help. Maushop collected as many as he could. He shook them until they were confused and tossed them around New England. Some died, but others landed, regained their minds and made their way back to Massachusetts.
Satisfied he had done his job and pleased his wife, Maushop went away for a while. In his absence, the Pukwudgies had returned. They again changed their relationship with the Wampanoags. They were no longer a nuisance, but began kidnapping children, burning villages and forcing the Wampanoag deep into the woods and killing them. Squanit again stepped in, but Maushop, being very lazy, sent his five sons to fix the problem. The Pukwudgies lured them into deep grass and shot them dead with magic arrows. Enraged, Squanit and Maushop attacked as many as they could find and crushed them, but many escaped and scattered throughout New England again. The Pukwudgies regrouped and tricked Maushop into the water and shot him with their arrows. Some legends say they killed him while others claim he became discouraged and depressed about the death of his sons, but Maushop disappears from the Wampanoags' mythology."
There is a serious lack of evidence, no photos and no verifiable witnesses. Some have claimed to have interviewed people who have claimed to see these creatures, yet little details or where, when, such creatures were seen.
The Ledge
The pond at the ledge is approximately 80 feet deep, divers have yet to reach the bottom. There have been many deaths, some caused by accidental falls, some suicide, and some claim and unknown force pushed them.
“The Ledge” was owned by the Fall River Granite Company and was used as a quarry during the 1800's. "Arkose Granite" taken from this specific quarry was used in constructing many of the Fall River's mills, Fall River YMCA, Fall River Public Library and the original BMC Durfee High School. Additionally granite from this quarry was used at Fort Adams RI, Taunton State Hospital, New Bedford Waterworks and the New York State House in Albany NY.
Mystery: UFO's at the Ledge? Umm. Nope.
One particular story circulated often, which is factually wrong, and poorly researched is the story of a UFO over the ledge. Several in the paranormal field repeat the same fabricated story that President Ronald Reagan had an encounter with a UFO over the Assonet Ledge. Their story claims that the "during the 1980's the UFO began to follow Air Force One, thus prompting fighters to be scrambled." The story then changed into "Its' claimed a mysterious light came out of the forest from the area of the Assonet ledge, and was stalking Air Force One".
The real incident took place during the summer of 1974 in Bakersfield California. Governor Reagan was flying on a Cessna Citation aircraft along with three (3) other people, pilot Air Force Colonel Bill Paynter and two (2) security officers. The aircraft was approaching the airport in Bakersfield California the passengers called Paynter's attention to a strange object to the rear of the plane. According to Colonel Paynter, "It appeared to be several hundred yards away and It was a fairly steady light until it began to accelerate. Then it appeared to elongate - then the light took off. It went up at a 45-degree angle-at a high rate of speed. Everyone on the plane was surprised. The UFO went from a normal cruise speed to a fantastic speed instantly. If you give an airplane power, it will accelerate-but not like a hot rod, and that's what this was like."
After the incident Governor Reagan spoke about the incident in California to Norman C Miller, then the Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal. Miller then published the encounter.
The forest is owned by the State of Massachusetts and is maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. In 1934 the first parcel of land, 323-acres, were purchased for $4500. The remaining acreage was purchased in 1935 and several small homes were leveled. There are several cemeteries inside the forest. Currently, the forest is 5,441 acres and has just over 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
The land that later became the Town of Freetown was purchased in 1659 from the Wampanoag Wamsutta. The Native Americans believed the land was highly sacred when Wamsutta sold it, possibly without the backing of the tribe. Many believe that events of the area have turned the once gentle spirits violent, attracting evil to it and it return being fed by the evil. Native Americans claim the horrible crimes will not stop until the tribe is given back the land.
Cult Activity
During the late 1970's and 1980's there were rumors of cult activity within the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. Initially, the police dismissed these claims and labeled them as left over "hippies" from the 1960's. As time went on, it was determined not to be "hippies" and there was in fact some type of activity going on. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of cult(s) in the forest. Many within the law enforcement community have long questioned to truthfulness of the stories and the alleged evidence. There is limited photographs, and no direct evidence of ties to a cult.
In August 1988 three (3) people were arrested for trespassing after they were found sleeping near a campfire surrounded by satanic symbols and candles. In a story in the Standard Times on Nov 1 1988, an article speculated the death of dozens of calves to be cult related. That same year the remains of Elizabeth Gregory, who was buried in a family cemetery in the forest since 1868, were stolen.
Pet Cemetery
The Pet Cemetery is located off Bell Rock Road inside the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. The land was donated by the City of Fall River, for use by the Fall River Animal Rescue League. The cemetery has not been used since the 1984. Recently the land was donated back to the Greater Fall River Land Conservancy, which will ensure the land will be preserved.
Wampanoag Nation Reservation 1939
The history of this reservation began with the Wattuppa Reservation (Fall River). In 1907 the City of Fall River took 100-acres of the "Watuppa Reservation" by eminent domain, in order to protect the city's drinking water supply.
In the 1939 the State of Massachusetts was under pressure from federal officials, and adopted The Acts of 1939 which provided 227-acres of land in Freetown to compensate the Wampanoags for the land the was taken by the City of Fall River in 1907. In 1976, an Executive Order from Governor Dukakis strengthened the Reservation by granting tribal rights to the Wampanoag Nation. The Wampanoags find it a deeply spiritual location and many of the religious ceremonies are held there.
Pukwedgies : Do they exist or just Wamponoag folklore ?
According to Wampanoag folklore: "A pukwudgie is a 2-3 foot tall troll whose features resemble those of a human but have larger noses, fingers and ears. Their skin is described as being smooth grey, and at times has been known to glow. Wampanoags believe that Pukwudgies are best left alone. If they are seen they shouldn't be messed with, or they will repay you by playing nasty tricks on you, following you or simply causing trouble. They were once friendly to humans, but they turned against them. They are known to supposedly kidnap people, push them off cliffs, attack their victims with short knives or spears, and to use sand to blind their victims."
"The legend of the Pukwudgie began in connection to Maushop, a mythical giant believed by the Wampanoag to have created Cape Cod. He was loved by the Wampanoags, but the Pukwudgies were jealous of the affection the Natives had for him. They became mischievous and aggravated the Natives until they asked Granny Squanit, Maushop’s wife, for help. Maushop collected as many as he could. He shook them until they were confused and tossed them around New England. Some died, but others landed, regained their minds and made their way back to Massachusetts.
Satisfied he had done his job and pleased his wife, Maushop went away for a while. In his absence, the Pukwudgies had returned. They again changed their relationship with the Wampanoags. They were no longer a nuisance, but began kidnapping children, burning villages and forcing the Wampanoag deep into the woods and killing them. Squanit again stepped in, but Maushop, being very lazy, sent his five sons to fix the problem. The Pukwudgies lured them into deep grass and shot them dead with magic arrows. Enraged, Squanit and Maushop attacked as many as they could find and crushed them, but many escaped and scattered throughout New England again. The Pukwudgies regrouped and tricked Maushop into the water and shot him with their arrows. Some legends say they killed him while others claim he became discouraged and depressed about the death of his sons, but Maushop disappears from the Wampanoags' mythology."
There is a serious lack of evidence, no photos and no verifiable witnesses. Some have claimed to have interviewed people who have claimed to see these creatures, yet little details or where, when, such creatures were seen.
The Ledge
The pond at the ledge is approximately 80 feet deep, divers have yet to reach the bottom. There have been many deaths, some caused by accidental falls, some suicide, and some claim and unknown force pushed them.
“The Ledge” was owned by the Fall River Granite Company and was used as a quarry during the 1800's. "Arkose Granite" taken from this specific quarry was used in constructing many of the Fall River's mills, Fall River YMCA, Fall River Public Library and the original BMC Durfee High School. Additionally granite from this quarry was used at Fort Adams RI, Taunton State Hospital, New Bedford Waterworks and the New York State House in Albany NY.
Mystery: UFO's at the Ledge? Umm. Nope.
One particular story circulated often, which is factually wrong, and poorly researched is the story of a UFO over the ledge. Several in the paranormal field repeat the same fabricated story that President Ronald Reagan had an encounter with a UFO over the Assonet Ledge. Their story claims that the "during the 1980's the UFO began to follow Air Force One, thus prompting fighters to be scrambled." The story then changed into "Its' claimed a mysterious light came out of the forest from the area of the Assonet ledge, and was stalking Air Force One".
The real incident took place during the summer of 1974 in Bakersfield California. Governor Reagan was flying on a Cessna Citation aircraft along with three (3) other people, pilot Air Force Colonel Bill Paynter and two (2) security officers. The aircraft was approaching the airport in Bakersfield California the passengers called Paynter's attention to a strange object to the rear of the plane. According to Colonel Paynter, "It appeared to be several hundred yards away and It was a fairly steady light until it began to accelerate. Then it appeared to elongate - then the light took off. It went up at a 45-degree angle-at a high rate of speed. Everyone on the plane was surprised. The UFO went from a normal cruise speed to a fantastic speed instantly. If you give an airplane power, it will accelerate-but not like a hot rod, and that's what this was like."
After the incident Governor Reagan spoke about the incident in California to Norman C Miller, then the Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal. Miller then published the encounter.
Profile Rock Mystery
The Old Man of Joshua's Mountain is a natural rock formation of granite formed by the Glacier over this region some 10,000 years ago known as Profile Rock. The Wampanoags called it "The Assonet" which is the Wampanoag name for "Hill of Rocks".
The profile was first noticed by someone passing through on the train while stopped at the Assonet Depot in 1860. Published in the Fall River News May 14, 1860: "A very striking profile of a man's head and face, with military cap, has recently been discovered among the rocks of a craggy ledge near the depot of Assonet Village. It may readily been seen from the cars, and that which creates the most surprise is that it was not noticed before. Freetown has always been possess of a large share of the military element."
It has been said after Osamequin's (Chief Massasoit) death, that aborigines came for miles to gaze and wonder at the rock formation that was in the image of the great Sachem. Wampanoag custom prevented open acknowledgement that the stone face was the profile of their dead Sachem.
It has also been said that King Philip, shortly before his death, visited the site, acknowledging his fate and loss of the War, where he took a moments solitude, shedding a tear, and sought inspirational guidance as he passed on from King Philip's Cave through the Assonet Tribe and its leader, Tabadacason, taking a ferry from Winslow Point at Peace Haven across the Taunton River to meet his death hours later on Aug. 12, 1676.
Property Owners
Rocky Mountain, as it was first known prior to the exploration of the West and the Rocky Mountains there, was on the 23rd Lot of Freeman's Purchase in 1659, with John Tisdale being the first owner. He was a selectman in Taunton until being killed by Indians, his dwelling burned, and his gun carried away in June, 1675. His son, Joshua, settled on the lot and died there in 1714, thus the name Joshua's Mountain as it is often now called. Joshua Tisdale was a Freetown selectman and town clerk, and was instrumental in the dam being constructed in Assonet Village.
The property was passed on through the centuries to descendants until becoming a state park in 1955. The last private land owner was Benjamin R. Evans who also resided on a portion of the parcel his entire life, as did his forbearers. He was a land surveyor and long time selectman and tax assessor. An Assonet child had fallen and broken an arm playing there, which was the deciding factor for Mr. Evans to turn the property, along with six acres, over to the state for $1,900. It then became Profile Rock State Park.
The Mighty Has Fallen - June 19 2019
For nearly 10,000 years it stood, until June 19 2019. The great stone face has fallen. At approximately 9:22 am, the Freetown Police and Fire Departments responded to “Profile Rock” for a collapse, possibly from recent damages from vandalism to the historic rock formation. It was discovered that a large portion of the rock formation had broken off. State forest officials have closed the park until further notice due to the unsafe environment.
The Old Man of Joshua's Mountain is a natural rock formation of granite formed by the Glacier over this region some 10,000 years ago known as Profile Rock. The Wampanoags called it "The Assonet" which is the Wampanoag name for "Hill of Rocks".
The profile was first noticed by someone passing through on the train while stopped at the Assonet Depot in 1860. Published in the Fall River News May 14, 1860: "A very striking profile of a man's head and face, with military cap, has recently been discovered among the rocks of a craggy ledge near the depot of Assonet Village. It may readily been seen from the cars, and that which creates the most surprise is that it was not noticed before. Freetown has always been possess of a large share of the military element."
It has been said after Osamequin's (Chief Massasoit) death, that aborigines came for miles to gaze and wonder at the rock formation that was in the image of the great Sachem. Wampanoag custom prevented open acknowledgement that the stone face was the profile of their dead Sachem.
It has also been said that King Philip, shortly before his death, visited the site, acknowledging his fate and loss of the War, where he took a moments solitude, shedding a tear, and sought inspirational guidance as he passed on from King Philip's Cave through the Assonet Tribe and its leader, Tabadacason, taking a ferry from Winslow Point at Peace Haven across the Taunton River to meet his death hours later on Aug. 12, 1676.
Property Owners
Rocky Mountain, as it was first known prior to the exploration of the West and the Rocky Mountains there, was on the 23rd Lot of Freeman's Purchase in 1659, with John Tisdale being the first owner. He was a selectman in Taunton until being killed by Indians, his dwelling burned, and his gun carried away in June, 1675. His son, Joshua, settled on the lot and died there in 1714, thus the name Joshua's Mountain as it is often now called. Joshua Tisdale was a Freetown selectman and town clerk, and was instrumental in the dam being constructed in Assonet Village.
The property was passed on through the centuries to descendants until becoming a state park in 1955. The last private land owner was Benjamin R. Evans who also resided on a portion of the parcel his entire life, as did his forbearers. He was a land surveyor and long time selectman and tax assessor. An Assonet child had fallen and broken an arm playing there, which was the deciding factor for Mr. Evans to turn the property, along with six acres, over to the state for $1,900. It then became Profile Rock State Park.
The Mighty Has Fallen - June 19 2019
For nearly 10,000 years it stood, until June 19 2019. The great stone face has fallen. At approximately 9:22 am, the Freetown Police and Fire Departments responded to “Profile Rock” for a collapse, possibly from recent damages from vandalism to the historic rock formation. It was discovered that a large portion of the rock formation had broken off. State forest officials have closed the park until further notice due to the unsafe environment.
Paranormal Former Freetown Police Station Mystery A published paranormal book claimed the following: "There is a rumor of a ghost that haunts the Freetown Police station. It seems a dispatcher died on the night shift while on duty. Although she was the main lifeline of the building at night, her presence was not missed until the morning. Police on duty patrolling the streets and driving around just assumed it was a slow night. They arrived hours later at shift change to find her body. Since then several officers have come forward with descriptions of a cloudy figure walking through the office. While there is no further description of the ghost, it did not appear until after the dispatchers death and most of the officers attribute it to her".
An excerpt from the authors website : https://ghostvillage.com/dark-woods
Do you have a favorite location from your book that you come back to again and again?
"The haunted police station keeps me coming back. These are cops, but one was willing to come forward and tell his story. They are not overjoyed I wrote the book because they feel it will draw attention to the forest, but some are now willing to talk about what they experienced in the station. I cannot wait to get back there and possibly experience it for myself."
Investigation Conclusion...100% Fabrication
The story as published has many flaws and further investigation should've been conducted prior to publishing inaccurate information. A female dispatcher did pass away while on duty, due to health reasons. After investigating the story as published, those interviewed stated they knew within minutes something was wrong when she didn't respond to radio or telephone calls.
It is not clear how several officers could report seeing a cloudy figure, when the civilian dispatchers (who he never mentions), are the ones working inside the building. Police officers are out patrolling the town and don't remain in the station for their shift. Additionally, the dispatch area isn't designed "to walk thru",
As part of the our investigation, contact was made with the author of the book regarding his statements. Amazingly, the author admitted he never had been to the police station, never interviewed any dispatchers or police officers. He stated he was simply "repeating" what he was told by people not connected to the police station in any manner. Typically, an investigator takes the time to investigate and research a story or location before going public with its findings. You would think an author of a book would do the same, but that's not the case here. The author's claims are unproven, and lack any creditable research. Makes one question what else is inaccurate in the book.
In 2017 voters approved fund to construct a police station across the street from this site. On December 8 2020 The Freetown Police Department moved into a newly constructed station across the street. This building is now empty and unknown what the future brings.
An excerpt from the authors website : https://ghostvillage.com/dark-woods
Do you have a favorite location from your book that you come back to again and again?
"The haunted police station keeps me coming back. These are cops, but one was willing to come forward and tell his story. They are not overjoyed I wrote the book because they feel it will draw attention to the forest, but some are now willing to talk about what they experienced in the station. I cannot wait to get back there and possibly experience it for myself."
Investigation Conclusion...100% Fabrication
The story as published has many flaws and further investigation should've been conducted prior to publishing inaccurate information. A female dispatcher did pass away while on duty, due to health reasons. After investigating the story as published, those interviewed stated they knew within minutes something was wrong when she didn't respond to radio or telephone calls.
It is not clear how several officers could report seeing a cloudy figure, when the civilian dispatchers (who he never mentions), are the ones working inside the building. Police officers are out patrolling the town and don't remain in the station for their shift. Additionally, the dispatch area isn't designed "to walk thru",
As part of the our investigation, contact was made with the author of the book regarding his statements. Amazingly, the author admitted he never had been to the police station, never interviewed any dispatchers or police officers. He stated he was simply "repeating" what he was told by people not connected to the police station in any manner. Typically, an investigator takes the time to investigate and research a story or location before going public with its findings. You would think an author of a book would do the same, but that's not the case here. The author's claims are unproven, and lack any creditable research. Makes one question what else is inaccurate in the book.
In 2017 voters approved fund to construct a police station across the street from this site. On December 8 2020 The Freetown Police Department moved into a newly constructed station across the street. This building is now empty and unknown what the future brings.