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Gloucester Sea Serpent
For two weeks in August 1817, hundreds of witnesses saw a giant serpent in Gloucester Harbor. Ship captains, farmers, and fishermen all described the same creature. Scientific investigations followed. It vanished.
1817
Cape Ann, Massachusetts, USA
200+ witnesses
The Gloucester Sea Serpent sparked America’s first cryptid investigation.
The Sightings
August 1817:
- Two weeks of sightings
- Hundreds of witnesses
- Gloucester Harbor
- Multiple independent
- All agreed on description
The Description
Consistent reports:
- 40-60 feet long
- Serpentine body
- Humped back
- Head like horse or dog
- Dark color
The Witnesses
Credible observers:
- Ship captains
- Town selectmen
- Magistrates
- Farmers
- Fishermen
Scientific Investigation
Linnaean Society:
- Investigated formally
- Collected depositions
- Classified creature
- Named new species
- Later retracted
The Searches
Attempts to capture:
- Armed boats
- Shots fired
- Never caught
- Appeared indifferent
- Eventually left
Legacy
Impact:
- Sparked interest
- Sea serpent fever
- Continued sightings
- New England coast
- Century of reports