The Devil’s Chair is a fascinating and eerie urban legend that has found its place in various cemeteries across the United States. One such chair is located in the Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois. This stone chair, often found near a grave, has been the subject of numerous tales and folklore, each more chilling than the last. The chair in Greenwood Cemetery, in particular, has been a source of both fear and curiosity among locals and visitors alike. The stories surrounding it range from tales of bad luck to encounters with the supernatural, making it a compelling point of interest for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Origin of the Devil’s Chair Legend
The legend of the Devil’s Chair has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s in the Appalachian Mountains. According to folklore, on a certain night each year, a chair would rise from the ground in a graveyard. It was believed that anyone who dared to sit on this chair could make a pact with the devil. However, this pact came with a heavy price. The person would be granted their heart’s desires for a period, but eventually, the devil would claim their soul. This chilling tale has been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting to local cultures and beliefs.
Description of the Devil’s Chair
The Devil’s Chair in Greenwood Cemetery, like its counterparts in other cemeteries, is a carved stone chair that sits next to a grave. These chairs can often be found next to single graves or within family plots, usually in the oldest parts of the cemetery. Despite their ominous reputation, these chairs were originally intended as a place of rest for mourners visiting the graves of their loved ones. The stone chairs, with their intricate carvings and weathered appearance, add a touch of antiquity and mystery to the cemetery landscape.
The Legend of the Devil’s Chair in Greenwood Cemetery
The legend associated with the Devil’s Chair in Greenwood Cemetery is a chilling one. Some believe that sitting on the chair can bring about a string of bad luck or even result in death within a year. Others believe that if you sit on the chair at a certain time, you can make a pact with the devil. This pact, according to legend, would grant you anything you desired for seven years. However, at the end of these seven years, your soul would be claimed by the devil. These tales, while unsettling, have only served to increase the allure of the Devil’s Chair.
The Phenomenon of Legend Tripping
Legend tripping is a popular activity where people seek out the locations of urban legends to experience them firsthand. The Devil’s Chair in Greenwood Cemetery is a common destination for such trips. Despite the eerie tales associated with them, many people, especially adolescents, are drawn to the thrill of experiencing these legends for themselves. The act of sitting on the Devil’s Chair, defying the supposed curse, and living to tell the tale is seen as a rite of passage by some. This phenomenon of legend tripping has contributed to the popularity and enduring intrigue of the Devil’s Chair.
Other Devil’s Chairs Across the United States
Apart from Greenwood Cemetery, there are several other cemeteries across the U.S. that are home to their own Devil’s Chairs, each with its own unique legend. These include the Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery in Florida, the Brookside Cemetery in Michigan, and the Southside Cemetery in Illinois, among others. Each chair carries its own tale of supernatural encounters and curses, adding to the rich tapestry of American folklore. These chairs, like the one in Greenwood Cemetery, continue to attract visitors and paranormal enthusiasts from all over the country.
The Reality Behind the Devil’s Chair
Despite the chilling legends, the reality of the Devil’s Chair is far less sinister. These stone chairs, sometimes referred to as memorial chairs, were originally intended as a place for mourners to rest during their cemetery visits. They were not designed with any supernatural intent. The chairs were often commissioned by wealthy families in the 19th century as a part of their family plots. Over time, these chairs, with their gothic appearance and isolated locations, became the perfect fodder for ghost stories and urban legends. The tales of the Devil’s Chair are a testament to human fascination with the supernatural and the unknown.
The Impact of the Devil’s Chair Legend on Greenwood Cemetery
The legend of the Devil’s Chair has undoubtedly contributed to the reputation of Greenwood Cemetery as a haunted location. This has attracted a significant number of visitors and paranormal enthusiasts to the cemetery, making it a notable point of interest in Decatur, Illinois. The cemetery, with its historic graves, lush greenery, and the infamous Devil’s Chair, offers a unique blend of history and mystery. The tales of the chair have added a layer of intrigue to the cemetery, making it more than just a final resting place for the departed.
Respect and Preservation of the Devil’s Chair
While the thrill of legend tripping can be enticing, it’s important to remember to treat these historical sites with respect. Many of these stone chairs are over a century old and can be fragile. Visitors are urged to use caution and respect when visiting these locations. The Devil’s Chair, despite its eerie reputation, is part of our cultural heritage. It is a tangible link to our past and a testament to our enduring fascination with the supernatural. As such, it is crucial that we preserve these sites for future generations to explore and appreciate.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Devil’s Chair
The legend of the Devil’s Chair continues to captivate the imagination of many, contributing to the rich tapestry of American folklore. Despite the eerie tales, these chairs serve as a reminder of our history and the traditions of the past. Whether they are viewed as cursed, haunted, or simply historical artifacts, the Devil’s Chairs, including the one in Greenwood Cemetery, will continue to be a source of intrigue and fascination for years to come. The allure of the Devil’s Chair lies not just in the tales of the supernatural but also in the human desire to explore the unknown and challenge the boundaries of our understanding. As long as this desire persists, the legend of the Devil’s Chair will continue to endure.
References
- Everywhere is Haunted: Greenwood Cemetery Devil’s Chair Decatur IL
- Wikipedia: The Devil’s Chair (urban legend)
- Join Cake: Devil’s Chair Cemetery
- Haunted Illinois: Greenwood Cemetery Decatur
- Only In Your State: Devil’s Chair IL
- Bizarre Boulevard: The Devil’s Chair