7 Sconnie Waterways and the Sea Serpents That Love Them

Previously, we’ve written about the histories of Wisconsin’s many waterways and lakes. Now that boating season is back, we bring you a look at the monsters that may (but probably don’t) live in said waters. A century ago, you couldn’t turn a newspaper page without seeing a hair-raising account of people swearing to have barely escaped a lake (or river) monster. It's hardly surprising that Wisconsin – given our massive amount of water features – has been home to such legends. Much of the reporting on these monsters is from historical sources, and with the sincerity some of the eyewitness accounts hold, you almost can’t help but believe them. But of course we know better now. Right? Many of these entries come from Chad Lewis’s Hidden Headlines of Wisconsin, a collection of incredible stories from old Wisconsin newspapers. Here are some of my favorite legends of Sconnie lake monsters from old Wisconsin headlines. Remember to pack a harpoon and a shotgun next time you go canoeing. 1. Fort Atkinson Red Cedar Lake – In 1892, The New North reported that Red Cedar Lake was “...again agitated by a monster who has lain dormant through the cold months.” Again. Several witnesses saw a mud turtle disappear within a “capacious -READ MORE-http://volumeone.org/news/1/posts/2015/05/26/9321_7_sconnie_waterways_and_the_sea_serpents_that_love_them