Buck Cemetery — Jonathan Buck Monument
Bucksport, Maine, United States
Cemetery · local-legend
The Story
A leg-shaped stain interrupts the granite of Jonathan Buck’s memorial. In Bucksport’s best-known curse story, it is the promised mark of a woman determined that the town founder should not be forgotten.
The Hauntings
The legend gives the mark a voice: a woman condemned as a witch promises to leave a sign on Buck’s memorial, or to dance upon his grave. Storytellers differ over the details, but the stubborn outline of a lower leg and foot remains their central image. The memorial was erected by Buck’s descendants long after his death. Boston.com’s account, drawing on the town’s interpretation, explains that the curse story developed around the stain; it is not a record of Buck conducting a witch execution. The folklore survives as a story attached to a visible, peculiar stone.
The History
Buck founded the town that bears his name. His descendants erected the granite memorial in 1852.
A sense of place.
Visitor Experiences
Have you experienced something here?
This future chapter will bring together stories from the PHASM community. An unexpected encounter, a lingering feeling, or a quiet visit—your experience will be welcome.
Submissions are not open yet.
Sources & further reading.
- Boston.com — 4 spooky New England ghost stories you’ve probably never heard (history)
- Gardiner Public Library — The Spooky Side of Maine: Hauntings & Urban Legends from the Pine Tree State (reports)
- Boston.com — 4 spooky New England ghost stories you’ve probably never heard (reports)
- Gardiner Public Library — The Spooky Side of Maine: Hauntings & Urban Legends from the Pine Tree State (visiting)
Plan Your Visit
View the monument from the established public approach beside Main Street and Hinks Street. A library visitor guide describes a short walking path from Hinks Street parking. This listing is for viewing the memorial, not nighttime cemetery investigations or touching the stone.