Spooky Staten Island

“Beware The Signs.” 🕯️

Imagine Staten Island before the Revolutionary War. Fewer than three thousand people lived here then, and the Island itself was sparsely-settled. There were few roads linking its villages, farms, orchards, and fields, and those few roads cut through miles of woods. Ghosts, witches, and even the Devil himself were said to haunt these dark forests and lonely roads.

Old maps of the borough feature places with names like “the Haunted Woods” and “the Haunted Bridge.” But of all the haunted places Staten Islanders whispered about, one of the most infamous was called “The Signs.”

Located in the area known as Bull’s Head, “The Signs” was a crossroads where signs of the supernatural occurred with startling frequency. According to legend, a tavern nearby played host to an array of shady figures. But amid the drinking, gambling, and merry-making, one visitor stood out. Tall, dark, and handsome, the man had “fiery eyes” and never spoke. It was said that he always remained until the wee hours, when the partying ended and travelers dispersed into the night. The unlucky might find themselves followed by this shadowy figure, who’d trail them without a word. No matter how they fled, or zigged and zagged, they could not escape his company. Some believed he was the Devil himself.

And, legend suggests he could take other forms too. One night, a horseman riding past “The Signs'' encountered a beast covered in dark hair. It resembled a dog, but was about the size of a horse. Its fiery eyes glowed red like coals. The horseman fled and the hound broke into a run, chasing him through the dark. Armed with a broadaxe, the brave man raised his weapon and brought it down onto the enormous dog. The beast howled and vanished as the axe clattered to the floor… only to reappear moments later, continuing its chase. Those who were brave enough to take aim at the black dog claimed that "it bore a charmed life against pistol shots."

Sightings of this “witch dog” continued for many years, some persisting into the early 20th century. You can still visit “The Signs” today: look for a street sign that says “Signs Road.”

Happy Halloween 🎃

Thank you all for an incredible spooky season. 👻 This year, nearly 200 people joined us for our Spooky Snug Harbor lantern tours!

We also shared stories about Staten Island’s haunted history with dozens more at Historic Richmond Town’s Decker Farm. 🌾

Then we lectured at Wagner College, held private cemetery tours, and so much more.

Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm for Staten Island’s graveyards, landmarks, haunted history and folklore! 🕯