The Jersey Devil is a legendary creature in New Jersey folklore. It is said to inhabit the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey, and is generally described as a flying biped with hooves. However, there are many variations. The most common description is that of a being with the head of a horse, bat-like wings, horns, small arms with clawed hands, cloven hooves and a leathery forked tail. It also had a terrifying scream.
There are a number of variations as to the genesis of this legend, but the most well-known is that it was the thirteenth child born to Jane Leeds in 1735.
Since that time, there has been a catalogue of stories stretching down the ages, where the Jersey Devil was responsible for all sorts of ills and terrorising acts. For a full detail of these instances, we recommend you read Haunted America (below).
Pictured left is the Japhet Leeds House, Moss Mill Road, Leeds Point, Atlantic County, NJ (c.1937).