In the heart of New Jersey lies Round Valley Reservoir, often referred to as the 'Bermuda Triangle of New Jersey.' While it's a scenic retreat beloved by swimmers, anglers, and campers, the reservoir has developed a grim reputation over the years. Numerous drownings and mysterious disappearances have led many to believe the area is haunted or cursed.
History and Geography
The reservoir was created in the 1960s when a dam was built, flooding an entire valley. The valley was once home to a small village and peaceful farms; most structures were removed, but some claim that the foundations of old buildings still remain submerged.
Covering more than 2,300 acres and reaching depths of up to 55 meters (180 feet), Round Valley is one of the deepest bodies of water in the region. Its deep, cold waters have always complicated rescue operations and body recoveries.
The Legend of the Curse and Cases of Disappearance
Since 1971, more than 26 deaths or disappearances have been recorded in the reservoir. In some cases, the victims were never found despite extensive searches that lasted days, sometimes even years.
- In 1989, a fisherman named John Kubu vanished while out on the water with a friend. His companion was later found dead, but Kubu remains missing to this day.
- In October 1993, two people were thrown from a small boat that capsized; one survived, while the other disappeared in front of witnesses and was never found.
Stories like these have fueled beliefs that the reservoir is cursed, possibly by the spirits of the dead or Native Americans who once lived in the area. Some claim invisible hands drag swimmers beneath the surface.
Realistic and Scientific Explanations
While the stories are mysterious, there are rational explanations for many of these incidents:
Cold Depths
The waters remain extremely cold, even in summer, and can cause cold-water shock or sudden exhaustion.
Depth and Darkness
Bodies often don't surface because the cold, deep water slows decomposition and gas formation.
Underwater Obstructions
Submerged tree trunks and building foundations can trap bodies or entangle divers.
Visual Deception
The reservoir’s round shape makes the shore appear deceptively close, tempting swimmers to attempt distances beyond their abilities.
Sudden Storms
The surrounding terrain makes the area prone to strong winds that can quickly change swimming conditions.
Between Legend and Reality
Caught between tales of 'the curse' and scientific reasoning, Round Valley Reservoir stands as a powerful example of how nature and folklore can intertwine. While some view it as a place that swallows its visitors, experts say that most incidents can be explained by environmental and human factors.
Round Valley remains a place where natural beauty meets local legend. It's a popular destination, but its eerie reputation continues to inspire both fear and fascination. Whether you believe in its curse or not, it has certainly earned its nickname—the Bermuda Triangle of New Jersey—where truth and myth are impossible to separate.
About the Author
No comments:
Post a Comment