02/27/2016
The Witch Tree
Urban Legends
At the intersection of Log Road and Mann School Road in Smithfield, Rhode Island, was a tree with quite a creepy legend attached to it. This tree which stood on its own, in a very old and sickly state, was known as the 'Witch Tree', a name attributed to it both due to its location and some of the stories about it.
This tree has been the cause of quite a few road accidents. It was located literally in the middle of the road at this intersection and as such a few drivers lost their lives or were seriously injured when unaware of its position. These deaths are not considered to be 'paranormal' in nature, just tragedies, but tragedies that may have contributed to the curse / haunting.
The trunk bore the scars from these tragedies, the bark stripped bare in places around its gut, from where lights, bumpers, bars, bonnets etc ploughed into the wood. The tree stood, some say near death, for decades or longer... but still it managed to bloom in spring regardless of age, disease and damage.
That is until it was cut down to prevent further accidents – and maybe to prevent people tempting fate by fooling with it.
The fact that a well known haunt was located just down the road provided part of the name. This locally known home of a witch would often see people exploring its empty rooms until it went up in flames leaving behind just the foundations.
Some of those who drove past the tree at night after visiting this house reportedly saw young children appear at its base to suddenly disappear as the car got closer. Some people with a more courageous disposition would pull over to have a closer look... all they would find is a battered old tree.
But for those who would play 'The Witch Tree Game' things would get a little more intense. It was said that if you drove around the tree three times (some say thirteen) then took off down the road you would soon find yourself followed by a ghostly biker who would tail gate you before pulling alongside then disappearing.
This potentially caused further accidents on this road.
If this tree was in fact haunted then it no longer being there might not matter. Maybe the ghosts still linger... the ghosts of those who lost their lives when crashing into its trunk perhaps?
There are those who believe this to be so, the area still having a creepiness to it. If you do go to check it out just remember this is a intersection so be careful!
But maybe it was all legend, just a creepy tree in the middle of the road that had this unfortunate story forced upon it?
Ashley Hall - The Paranormal Guide 2014
All images are of the Witch Tree while it still stood.
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