Hanging Tree

[Curly]

What do you all make of this place.

So the story is they hung people from this tree back in the day. Colonial times? Also, someone hung themselves from this tree in the 70's? And more recently, a new memorial?

[SkiesMostWanted]

I found it interesting. I have to say though, hanging out and growing up in Patchogue, I never knew about this tree until like two years ago hahaha. Supposedly witches were hung there from what I heard.....but the new memorial, interesting. I smell newspaper research!

[Curly]

It really is one large memorial. Wonder what its about?

[Curly]

Is this place supposed to be haunted? Seemed like a nice, pleasent spot to me.

[Nasus]

Something I found in an old Suffolk Life article.

Patchogue is home to another ghostly legend, the story of the "Hanging Tree." The tree is located in a patch of woods along Grove Street with a branch hanging over the Swan River. Legend says that a woman named Mary was accused of being a witch and hanged from the tree after a makeshift trial was held. Another legend tells of a man committing suicide by hanging himself from the tree.

Reports state that a spectral noose can be seen hanging from the branch and a "spooky presence" is felt there.

[Richit]

[Curly]

The limb that used to hang over Swan River broke off. The noose rope is still their but no noose.

[lubby]

maybe it isn't a memorial maybe they were havign a sayonce or some sort of witchraft ritual. i mean nothing was in the paper about someone killing themselves recently was there? or maybe they are still mourning that person who died in the 70's

[ChrisF202]

maybe it isn't a memorial maybe they were havign a sayonce or some sort of witchraft ritual. i mean nothing was in the paper about someone killing themselves recently was there? or maybe they are still mourning that person who died in the 70's

I do recall hearing about at least 2 people hanging themselves/being found hanged in Patchogue a few years back in a short period of time but I dont know if it was at this particular tree.

Also as far as I know any deaths at this tree were extrajudicial or suicide as I dont believe a Suffolk County sheriff has ever hanged anyone since the office was created in 1670 (even though they were and still are authorized to do so <playfully rubs hands and gives evil grin>). It would actually be interesting to do some research and see if they ever did hang anyone.

[Curly]

We will do a bit of digging around, see what we come up with. Me, its all a Tall Tale to spook the locals.