Maryland’s Flying Terror

In February 1909, newspapers across Maryland reported sightings of a dragon-like creature called the Snallygaster. The beast allegedly had metallic beak, octopus-like tentacles, and eye in the center of its forehead, terrorizing communities for weeks.

The Origin

Germanic folklore:

• “Schnell Geist”
• Quick spirit
• German settlers brought tale
• Central Maryland
• Centuries old

February 1909

The outbreak:

• Sightings began
• Multiple witnesses
• Newspaper coverage
• Widespread fear
• Three-week terror

The Description

What was seen:

• Wings like bat
• Single eye
• Metal beak
• Tentacles
• 20-30 foot wingspan

The Attacks

Reported incidents:

• Grabbed victims
• Carried them off
• Blood found
• Terror spread
• Communities alarmed

Newspaper Coverage

Media frenzy:

• Multiple papers
• Daily reports
• Dramatic headlines
• Witness interviews
• Feeding panic

The Middletown Valley Register

Primary source:

• Local paper
• Detailed accounts
• Named witnesses
• Week after week
• Historic record

President Roosevelt

Famous connection:

• Reportedly interested
• Consider hunting it
• Postponed trip?
• Never confirmed
• Popular legend

The Hoax Question

Later analysis:

• Likely newspaper hoax
• Competition for readers
• February slow news
• Elaborate story
• Some genuine sightings?

Despite Hoax Elements

Interesting details:

• Consistent with folklore
• Multiple independent reports
• Some genuine sightings?
• Cultural memory
• Enduring legend

Modern Snallygaster

Still reported:

• South Mountain area
• Occasional sightings
• Modern encounters
• Legend continues
• Still searched for

Flying Point

Geographic feature:

• Named for Snallygaster
• In Frederick County
• Where creature seen
• Lasting impact
• Cultural marker

Connection to Dwayyo

Related cryptid:

• Werewolf-like creature
• Same region
• Enemies supposedly
• Folklore connection
• Maryland monsters

Cultural Impact

Regional identity:

• Maryland folklore
• Halloween celebrations
• Local pride
• Tourism potential
• Embraced legend

Significance

Historic cryptid case with extensive newspaper documentation, whether hoax or genuine sightings.

Legacy

The Snallygaster represents America’s monster-panic tradition—a three-week terror that entered regional folklore and continues to be reported over a century later.