Bear Creek Swamp is located along the border of Prattville and Autaugaville, Alabama, along Highway 14. This area predates the creation of Alabama as a state and has a long history. From the Alabamu Indians, who inhabited this area long before European settlers arrived here, to the Creek Tribes who populated the area after, this swampland deep in the heart of Alabama has a long history. This area was an up-and-coming city in the early 1800s, and by the start of the Civil War had around 1500 citizens. The outbreak of the war saw many of the Southern States take up arms and organize to fight for the Confederacy, and Alabama was no different. In 1861, the Prattville Dragoons, as they were called, set off to join the fight. A marker was dedicated in 1916 to commemorate their rally point.
The Bear Creek Swamp has long been known to locals as a haunted destination. Locals claim to have heard loud booms and the sound of splashing, as if something jumped or fell into the dark waters. Phantom cars are also seen speeding along the road at night and disappearing into the fog. The ghosts of Native American warriors and Civil War soldiers are common sights in the dark of night. People encounter vehicle problems, like dead batteries or cars that won’t start. Another common claim involves glowing orbs of light floating over the waters of the marsh. It is said that if you stop your vehicle in the middle of the road and wait, you will see these glowing orbs, and even notice them moving towards you.
One of the most prevalent legends involves a woman in white who patrols the swamp looking for her lost child. Some say the child drowned in the swamp, and others suggest it was carried off by Native Tribes. Residents say if you speak the phrase, “We have your baby,” three times, the woman will show herself and attack you. Her shrieks are often heard in the distance. Perhaps linked to the legend of the mother searching for her child, another legend involves a ghostly, childlike apparition. It’s said to be about four feet tall and will pop out suddenly in front of your vehicle, blocking your way out of the swamp.
In 2014, the local Sheriff’s office discovered an eerie sight in the haunted Bear Creek swamp. Someone had impaled 21 porcelain dolls on stakes and placed them in the murky waters, like a doll graveyard. Many of them had their heads painted a ghostly white. Authorities believe it to be the work of a Halloween prankster, but rumors of Voodoo worshippers abound as a result.
Many locals claim to have caught a glimpse of a bigfoot-like creature among the trees of the swampland. It’s said that the creature is between 8 and 10 feet tall and covered with thick, dark hair from head to toe. Those who claim to have seen him say a smell of rotten eggs often permeates the area. Sounds of knocking coming from the woods are usually heard when he’s nearby.
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