The Bennington Triangle is a region in southwestern Vermont, USA, known for its enigmatic history and tales of mysterious disappearances. Often compared to the infamous Bermuda Triangle, this area encompasses parts of the Green Mountains, including Mount Glastenbury and its surroundings. Here’s an exploration of its mysteries and what makes it so intriguing.
The Origin of the Bennington Triangle
The term "Bennington Triangle" was popularized in the 1950s by author Joseph A. Citro. Fascinated by the area’s unexplained events, he highlighted a series of strange disappearances that occurred between 1920 and 1950. These incidents have fueled local legends and drawn the attention of mystery enthusiasts worldwide.
The triangle primarily covers the towns of Bennington, Woodford, Shaftsbury, and the abandoned town of Glastenbury, a former mining community. Mount Glastenbury, in particular, is often considered a "haunted" site by locals and paranormal enthusiasts.
The Mysterious Disappearances
Some of the most famous disappearances associated with the Bennington Triangle occurred between 1945 and 1950. Here are the most notable cases:
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Middie Rivers (1945)A 74-year-old experienced hunting guide, Middie Rivers, vanished while leading a group through the Glastenbury woods. Despite his familiarity with the area and extensive searches, no trace of him was ever found.
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Paula Jean Welden (1946)An 18-year-old Bennington College student, Paula Welden, disappeared while hiking the Long Trail, a well-marked path in Vermont. Her case gained national attention, but no clues or leads ever emerged.
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James Tedford (1949)A retired veteran, James Tedford, vanished under bizarre circumstances. He was last seen on a bus traveling from St. Albans to Bennington. Fellow passengers reported that he was on board shortly before the bus arrived, but he seemingly disappeared, leaving his belongings behind.
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Paul Jepson (1950)Paul Jepson, an 8-year-old boy, disappeared while playing near his family’s farm. Search dogs tracked his scent to a swamp, but no evidence of his whereabouts was ever discovered.
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Frieda Langer (1950)Frieda Langer, 53, went missing while hiking with her cousin. Months later, her body was found in an area that had already been extensively searched. The cause of her death could not be determined.
Theories Behind the Disappearances
Numerous theories have been proposed to explain these puzzling events:
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Natural Causes: The Glastenbury region is rugged and remote, with dense forests, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather. It’s possible the victims succumbed to accidents or exposure to the elements.
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Criminal Activity: Some speculate that a serial killer or criminal acts may have been involved. However, no evidence has ever substantiated this theory.
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Paranormal Phenomena: Local legends describe cursed lands, ghostly apparitions, and otherworldly encounters. Some even link the events to UFOs or other supernatural occurrences.
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Geological Anomalies: There are suggestions of magnetic or geological anomalies in the area that could disorient individuals or interfere with navigation.
The Bennington Triangle Today
Today, the Bennington Triangle continues to fascinate mystery enthusiasts, hikers, and urban legend hunters. While the disappearances have ceased since the 1950s, the region’s eerie atmosphere and unexplained history remain a draw.
The Green Mountains and Mount Glastenbury are now popular for their scenic beauty, hiking trails, and rich history. Yet, for many, the shadow of past events lingers, adding an air of mystery to the natural splendor.
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