By Gene Galin
Bynum, NC – Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Chatham County is a land rich in history, mystery, and legend. Over the centuries, its rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers have birthed countless tales, some of which persist in the minds of locals even today. At Saturday’s Mill Towns Yarns show at the Bynum Front Porch storyteller Dan Sellers delved into some of the more captivating folklore of the region, shedding light on figures and tales that continue to haunt the imaginations of those who dare to listen.
The Legend of Chatham Jack
One of the most well-known figures in Chatham County’s history is Joseph John Austin, better known as Chatham Jack. In the 1770s, when the county was formed from Orange County, Austin acquired vast amounts of land. By 1830, he was the county’s largest land and slave owner, holding over 160 slaves. Austin was a significant political figure, serving in the general assembly and founding the Mount Vernon Methodist Church. His estate, Aspen Hall, is now a registered National Historic location.
While history records Austin as a powerful landowner, folklore has transformed him into a legendary figure. One story tells of a man named Chatham Jack, an infamous gambler and drinker who met a tragic fate after beating his loyal servant, Aaron, to death in a drunken rage. As the tale goes, Aaron’s ghost still haunts Aspen Hall, with locals reporting eerie sightings and unexplained phenomena. Some even claim to have communicated with Aaron’s spirit through Ouija boards. The legend serves as a cautionary tale about loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked anger.
Mermaids of Mermaid Point
Near Moncure, where the Haw and Deep Rivers merge to form the Cape Fear River, lies an area known as Mermaid Point. This confluence, now partially submerged due to dam construction, was once said to be home to mermaids. Ambrose Ramsey, a tavern owner in the 1700s, operated near this point, and travelers often reported seeing beautiful, singing mermaids lounging on the sandbar.
Skeptics suggest that these mermaid sightings may have been misidentified Atlantic sturgeon, which were once abundant in the region. These large fish, known for their distinctive tails, spawned in the fresh waters of the Cape Fear River before being hunted to near extinction for their valuable caviar. Regardless of the explanation, the legend of Mermaid Point endures.
The Devil’s Tramping Ground
Perhaps the most chilling legend of Chatham County is the Devil’s Tramping Ground, a mysterious barren circle of earth near Siler City. The legend claims that the Devil himself visits this spot each night, pacing in a circle as he devises new ways to unleash evil upon the world. Despite attempts by scientists to explain the lack of vegetation, including theories about high salt content and soil sterility, the area remains an enigma.
Local lore also tells of supernatural phenomena surrounding the site. Birds refuse to nest in nearby trees, dogs grow agitated when brought close, and objects left in the circle overnight are mysteriously displaced by morning. Some have even reported ghostly red eyes peering from the surrounding woods and shadowy figures moving at the edge of vision.
Native American and UFO Theories
Some theorists believe that the Devil’s Tramping Ground may not be demonic but rather a sacred site of an ancient Native American tribe. According to legend, the area was used for rituals, feasts, and ceremonies, and it has remained preserved ever since. Another version suggests that a great battle once took place here, spilling so much blood that nothing has grown in the soil since.
Others claim the site is an extraterrestrial hotspot, speculating that radiation from unidentified flying objects has rendered the soil infertile. Reports of strange lights in the sky, eerie voices, and unexplained disappearances fuel the UFO theory. More esoteric interpretations link the site to mystical energy fields, claiming it is a “Magdalene Crystal Column”—a point of divine feminine energy on Earth.
The Disappearing Tramping Ground
Despite its legendary status, the Devil’s Tramping Ground has been shrinking. Once nearly 50 feet in diameter, the circle is now less than half that size. Some believe the supernatural forces protecting the site are weakening, while others argue that human activity and natural environmental changes are responsible.
Visitors continue to flock to the site, many bringing cameras, recording devices, and even spiritual mediums in hopes of capturing evidence of the paranormal. Some leave terrified, convinced of the legend’s truth, while others walk away skeptical, their curiosity piqued but their doubts intact.
Folklore Lives On
Chatham County’s rich tapestry of folklore reflects the region’s deep historical roots and the human fascination with the unknown. Whether these stories stem from fact, imagination, or a mix of both, they endure because they speak to something primal within us all—the desire to connect with the past, to find meaning in the unexplained, and to keep the spirit of storytelling alive.
For those who dare, a trip to Chatham County’s legendary sites may offer more than just an interesting history lesson—it might just provide an encounter with the supernatural. But be warned: as Dan Sellers himself reminds us, “Never let a little thing like the truth stand in the way of a good story.”
Watch on YouTube – Storyteller Dan Sellers on Chatham County Folklore – 2.8.25
00:18 Dan Sellers discusses Chatham County folklore and its legendary figures.
- Joseph John Austin, known as Chatham Jack, was a key landowner and slave owner in the 1800s.
- The blending of folklore with historical facts creates legends, as exemplified by Chatham Jack’s story after the Civil War.
02:42 Chatham County folklore includes the tragic tale of Chatham Jack and his servant Aaron.
- Chatham Jack, a drunkard, loses money gambling and violently beats his loyal servant Aaron to death.
- The ghost of Aaron is said to haunt Aspen Hall, with locals attempting to contact him through a Ouija board.
05:12 Chatham County folklore intertwines aquatic species and mermaid legends.
- The Atlantic sturgeon, historically abundant, has been nearly hunted to extinction for its caviar, impacting local ecosystems.
- Mermaid Point, named for local legends, featured stories of mermaids and haunted tales involving Scottish settlers.
07:32 Mermaid sightings linked to local folklore and geography.
- Mermaid legends often coincide with sturgeon spawning grounds, suggesting a natural explanation.
- The Devil’s Tramping Ground legend stems from cultural beliefs, attributed to early immigrant populations.
09:51 The Devil’s Tramping Ground exhibits mysterious, unexplainable phenomena.
- The area has unique characteristics, including a perfectly round salt deposit and sterile soil.
- Animals avoid the vicinity, raising questions about the area’s unnatural properties despite scientific explanations.
12:11 Chatham County folklore reveals sacred and supernatural stories tied to the land.
- Local Native American tribes regarded the site as sacred, celebrating with feasts and dances for blessings.
- Various legends exist about battles and UFO sightings, contributing to the area’s mystique and intrigue.
14:30 Exploration of Magdalene energy and its cultural significance in Chatham County.
- The Magdalene flame represents the balance of male and female spiritual energies, linking Jesus and Mary Magdalene as key figures.
- The Devil’s Tramping Ground, a local energy site, showcases folklore and its influence on culture, notably in literature and brewing.
16:43 Exploration of a supernatural site at Harper’s Crossroads reveals eerie findings.
- The presenter hesitates due to no trespassing signs but finds none, allowing exploration of the area.
- Eerie discoveries include a rotted blanket hanging from a tree and a frightening figure resembling a man on another tree.
18:37 The Devil’s Stamping Ground is a mysterious, barren circle with eerie folklore.
- The circle, about 20 to 30 feet in diameter, has no vegetation and serves as a gathering spot.
- Various visitors, curious or skeptical, have contributed to its creepy atmosphere and ongoing folklore.