New Jersey is home to a wealth of unusual and unusual stories that you may not have heard about, in addition to its rich and varied history, culture, and geography. Here are a few of the most strange tales from the state, ranging from strange laws and unique people to creepy roads and UFO encounters.
The Devil from Jersey
The Jersey Devil is a well-known mythology in New Jersey. It is said that the creature lives in the Pine Barrens, a vast and remote area of forested land in the state’s southern section.
According to legend, the Jersey Devil first appeared in 1735 as the thirteenth child of Mother Leeds, who is said to have cursed the infant and foretold that it would grow up to be the devil. Subsequently, the baby transformed into a winged, hoofed, and horned being, which soared out of a window and into the forest, where it is said to have terrified people ever since.
There are reports of cattle deaths, scary experiences for travelers, and mysterious noises and footsteps that are attributed to the Jersey Devil. Many people claim to have seen or heard the Jersey Devil, and some even offer alleged proof of its existence in the form of images, films, or DNA samples.
The Accident of the Hindenburg
The Hindenburg catastrophe, which happened at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station on May 6, 1937, is another sad event in the history of New Jersey. Ninety-seven passengers boarded the German passenger liner Hindenburg for the year’s first transatlantic voyage.
The airship suddenly burst into flames as it got closer to the landing spot, killing 36 passengers and seriously injuring numerous others.
There is still disagreement over what started the fire, although theories include sabotage, a hydrogen leak, or a spark from static electricity. The Hindenburg tragedy effectively put an end to the era of airship travel as it was one of the first big air disasters to be documented on film and aired on radio.
The Poisonous Defender
The story behind the making of the cult classic 1984 movie Toxic Avenger is an odd and funny one from New Jersey. The story of Melvin, a geeky janitor at a health club in the made-up town of Tromaville, New Jersey, is told in this comedy-horror movie.
Melvin becomes a hideous but very strong hero when he unintentionally dives into a barrel of poisonous garbage after being bullied and humiliated by club members. After then, this altered persona assumes responsibility for battling corruption and criminality in Tromaville.
The Toxic Avenger is a satire of the horror and superhero genres with a focus on humor, gore, and extreme violence. Produced by New Jersey-based indie film studio Troma Entertainment, the movie gave rise to video games, a musical, a cartoon series, and sequels.
The Amusement Park
The mention of Action Park, the notorious amusement park in Vernon, New Jersey, which was open from 1978 to 1996, sets up an exciting and dangerous story.
Famous for its wild and dangerous rides—such as a go-kart track, a ski jump, and a looping water slide—the park was also known for its poor upkeep and oversight, which contributed to its reputation as a dangerous location where drugs and alcohol were widely used.
Known by nicknames like “Traction Park,” “Accident Park,” and “Class Action Park” because of its high number of fatalities and injuries, the park was about to close because of financial and legal issues. However, it has made a comeback in recent years under new administration and titles.
The global conflict
The final story is the War of the Worlds, a radio program that caused a great deal of worry and hysteria in New Jersey and other surrounding areas. This radio drama, a Mercury Theatre on the Air production that aired on October 30, 1938, portrayed a Martian invasion of Earth and was an adaptation of an H.G. Wells novel.
The broadcast, which was presented as a credible news story, stated that Martians had landed near Grover’s Mill, New Jersey, and were using poison gas and heat rays to attack the neighboring areas. People who arrived late or did not see the disclaimer at the beginning of the program thought the invasion was real, which led to panic, hasty calls to the authorities, and home evacuations.
The War of the Worlds broadcast, which is regarded as one of the most significant and divisive media events in history, highlighted the powerful effects of mass communication.
