Nestled deep within the ominously named Dark Entry Forest in Cornwall, Connecticut, lies the remains of Dudleytown, a settlement whose eerie history and alleged curse have drawn comparisons to the chilling horror film, The Blair Witch Project.
This real-life ghost town, now completely abandoned, is so shrouded in tales of misfortune and poltergeist-like activity that the landowners have made it illegal for the public to visit.
The Sinister History of a Cursed Settlement
The story of Dudleytown began in the 1740s when it was first settled by Thomas Griffis. He was soon followed by the Dudley family, including Gideon, Barzillai, Abiel, and later, Martin Dudley, from whom the town took its name.
For a time, it was a small, quaint community. However, its dark demise began in the 19th century. A new resident, Nathaniel Carter, arrived, only for tragedy to strike soon after. Six of his relatives died from cholera, and the surviving members of his family, who left due to health concerns, also perished a short time later.
The misfortune did not end there. Gershon Hollister, who was constructing a barn for his neighbour William Tanner, died under unexplained circumstances after speaking of shadowy creatures. Tanner himself was later driven to insanity, echoing his friend's terrifying claims.
Further strange deaths plagued the settlement. In 1804, Sara Faye Swift was killed after being struck by lightning in a freak accident. Her husband, Herman, was left inconsolable and died soon after from unexplained causes.
The Curse and Abandonment
By the year 1900, all remaining residents had either died or moved away, leaving Dudleytown a deserted shell. Many believe these tragic events stem from a curse placed on the land, linked to a descendant of the Dudleys who was beheaded in England by King Henry VII for treason.
The curse is said to bring misfortune, madness, and poltergeist-like activity to those associated with the area, creating a real-life 'Village of the Damned'.
Modern Troubles and the Ban on Visitors
In the latter part of the 20th century, the abandoned settlement became a hotspot for vandalism and destruction. The release of the found-footage horror movie The Blair Witch Project in 1999, which depicted a haunted village, worsened the situation.
The film's popularity attracted ghost hunters, mischief-makers, and mindless vandals to the shadowy rural area, leading to increased anti-social behaviour. To combat this, the private landowners where Dudleytown once stood have closed the area to the public.
Today, attempting to visit the site of the cursed village is not just discouraged—it is against the law, preserving its mysterious and ominous legacy for good.
