A glimpse into Vermont’s vampiric past

By Timothy Page

In the early 19th century, the quaint town of Manchester, Vermont, experienced a peculiar phenomenon that gripped its residents in fear and fascination—the Manchester vampire craze. This period of hysteria, rooted in superstition and a lack of medical understanding, centered around the belief in vampirism and the existence of undead creatures preying upon the living. This article delves into the historical accounts of the Manchester vampire craze, shedding light on the factors that contributed to its emergence and the lasting impact it had on the community.

The Origins of the Manchester Vampire Craze:

The initial spark of the vampire craze in Manchester can be traced back to the early 1790s, as reports emerged of mysterious deaths and unexplained illnesses within the community. These deaths were often attributed to the consumption, now known as tuberculosis, a highly contagious disease prevalent at the time. However, lacking scientific knowledge and desperate for answers, the townspeople turned to superstition and folklore, blaming the undead for their misfortune.

The Role of Local Folklore:

Folk beliefs played a significant role in perpetuating the vampire craze in Manchester. Tales of supernatural creatures that rose from the grave to feed on the living were deeply ingrained in New England culture, brought by the early settlers from Europe. The region’s rural isolation and limited access to education contributed to the preservation of these beliefs, fostering an environment ripe for the emergence of vampire hysteria.

The Case of Captain Burton:

One of the most well-documented instances of the Manchester vampire craze revolves around the death of Captain Israel Burton in the early 1800s. Burton, a respected local figure, had succumbed to tuberculosis, but his demise was met with suspicion by the townspeople. They believed that Burton’s spirit had transformed into a vampire, returning from the grave to prey upon his surviving family members.

Vampire Exhumations and Rituals:

To combat the perceived threat of vampirism, a practice known as “vampire exhumation” gained popularity in Manchester. This involved exhuming the bodies of suspected vampires and implementing various rituals to prevent them from rising again. The most common method was piercing the heart of the deceased with a wooden stake, often made from ash or hawthorn, to ensure their permanent demise.

The Decline of the Manchester Vampire Craze:

As medical knowledge and understanding improved over time, the vampire craze in Manchester gradually waned. The spread of scientific information about the true nature of tuberculosis and the development of effective treatments helped dispel the notion of vampirism as the cause of illness and death. Additionally, increased access to education and the influence of urbanization diminished the hold of folklore and superstition on the community.

While the vampire craze in Manchester, Vermont, is one of the most well-known instances of vampire reports in the state, there were also other accounts of alleged vampire incidents in various towns across Vermont. Here are a few notable examples:

Woodstock Vampire Case:

One prominent case occurred in Woodstock, Vermont, in the early 19th century. The family of Frederick Ransom, who died of tuberculosis in 1817, believed that he had become a vampire and was responsible for the illness and death of other family members. In response, Ransom’s father, Captain Isaac Ransom, ordered the exhumation of his son’s body and the removal of his heart, which was subsequently burned.

Highgate Vampire Case:

The Highgate vampire case, although not specific to Vermont, gained attention in the 1970s and had connections to Vermont. In Highgate Cemetery, London, England, reports emerged of a vampire-like figure haunting the area. This incident led some individuals in Vermont, particularly in the town of Highgate, to claim sightings of vampires and engage in vampire hunting activities.

The Case of Corwin:

In the mid-19th century, the town of Stowe, Vermont, was allegedly plagued by a vampire named Corwin. Several members of the Corwin family had died from tuberculosis, and it was believed that Corwin’s spirit had returned to feed on the living. Vampire exhumations and rituals were performed in an attempt to prevent further

The Manchester vampire craze stands as a testament to the power of superstition and the human impulse to seek supernatural explanations for the mysteries of life and death. Rooted in a lack of medical understanding and fueled by local folklore, this dark chapter in Vermont’s history sheds light on the cultural and social dynamics of early 19th-century New England. Today, the Manchester vampire craze serves as a reminder of how far we have come in our understanding of disease and the importance of critical thinking in the face of irrational fears.

Sources:

Belanger, Michael. “The Manchester Vampire Panic.” Journal of New England Folklore, vol. 31, 2008, pp. 35-53.

Kars, Marjoleine. Blood Will Tell: Vampires as Political Metaphors before World War I. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2017.

Montague, William. Manchester: A History. Manchester Historical Society, 1995.

Ryan, Vincent. “Legends of New England: The Vampire Epidemic in New England.” New England Historical Society, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/legends-new-england-vampire-epidemic-new-england/

Skal, David J. Vampires: Encounters with the Undead. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2002.
“The Manchester Vampire – Legends & Lore.” Vermont Folklife. [Online]. Available: https://www.vtfolklife.org/fieldnotes/the-manchester-vampire-legends-and-lore