Have You Heard the Story of Maine’s Saco River Curse?

If you've spent any time around the Saco River, chances are you've heard someone bring up the Saco River Curse. If not, this is so cool. For all of my true crime sleuths and horror nerds, this is definitely for you. 

Because, it's one of those stories that gets passed around campfires, and hang outs and whether you believe it or not, it’s cool. I recently heard it and remembered the time I floated down the Saco River and it gave me hard chills.  

Have You Heard of Maine's 350 Year Old Saco River Curse?

According to the legend and New England, the curse dates back to 1675 and centers around Chief Squando of the Sokokis (The Saco) people.

The story says that after English sailors grabbed his infant child from its mother's arms and threw the baby into the river to "test" a racist belief, Chief Squando put a curse on the Saco River. 

The legend says that the river would take the lives of three people every year until the settlers left its banks. 

The Saco is one of Maine and New Hampshire's most popular rivers for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, and with thousands of people on the water every summer, accidents unfortunately do happen. 

Still, the legend has taken on a life of its own.

Most longtime Mainers know about it and if you ask you'll probably hear someone swear the curse is real, while others will tell you it's just one of Maine's most famous folklore stories. 

Read More: Maine's Best Gas Station Pizza Spots, According To Locals

Whether you believe in curses or not, the Saco River remains one of New England's most beautiful waterways and one with a history that's equal parts fascinating, tragic, and mysterious. 

So... have you ever heard the story of the Saco River Curse, or is this your first time hearing about it?