The Legend of the Devil’s Chair
Hidden within the folklore of America is the notion of the Devil’s Chair, often referred to as a haunted or cursed chair. These eerie seats, which appear in various forms across the country, are rooted in the funerary or memorial sculptures common in the United States during the nineteenth century.
During that era, cemeteries were designed to resemble parks where visitors could picnic and reflect. Functional ornaments such as carved chairs and benches, often termed “mourning chairs,” were provided for the comfort of visitors. Over time, some of these chairs were no longer used as intended, and legends and superstitions began to surround them.
What is the history of the Devil’s Chair?
Local youths would dare each other to sit in these chairs, especially at night or during specific times like Halloween or New Year’s Eve. The brave, or perhaps foolhardy, individuals who accepted these dares were said to face punishment or receive rewards. This tradition led to almost any neglected stone bench or chair being dubbed a “Devil’s Chair.”
Cassadaga: A Nexus of Otherworldly Activity
Cassadaga, Florida, is synonymous with the Devil’s Chair. Situated 35 miles north of Orlando, this small town has preserved its nineteenth-century architecture, leading to its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. With a population of around 3,000, Cassadaga is renowned for its abundance of psychic mediums and haunted locations. This town stands in stark contrast to Florida’s conservative Bible Belt traditions, embodying a countercultural hub of Spiritualism.
The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, founded in 1895 by Spiritualist George Colby, established the town as a center for psychic activity and mediumship. Often referred to as the “Psychic Center of the World,” Cassadaga also houses the haunted Cassadaga Cemetery, home to the most famous Devil’s Chair. This oversized stone seat is rumored to summon the Devil himself when occupied.
What makes Cassadaga such a magnet for Spiritualism and hauntings? It is said to be located on a vortex, a point of concentrated psychic energy. This natural vortex, combined with other man-made vortices created by the town’s intense psychic activity, places Cassadaga in the company of other mystical sites like Stonehenge and the Pyramids at Giza.
Within this vortex lies the Cassadaga Cemetery, where gravestones dating back to the 1800s can be found, many of which have been toppled by vandals. The cemetery primarily contains the remains of residents from Lake Helen and Cassadaga, including George P. Colby.
Amidst this haunted setting stands the infamous Devil’s Chair, a large, foreboding red brick bench that has captivated and terrified visitors for generations.
The Legend of the Devil’s Chair
Stories abound regarding the fate of those who dare to sit in the Devil’s Chair. Some say the Devil speaks directly to those who take a seat, while others claim to hear voices in their heads. The most popular legend involves leaving an unopened can of beer on the chair overnight. By morning, the can was either empty but still sealed, completely gone, or found open.
One particularly chilling tale involves a young man who was dared to sit in a chair at midnight on Halloween. His friends watched as he walked into the cemetery, navigating the headstones until he reached the Devil’s Chair and faded into the darkness. He was never seen again. Some believe the Devil appeared and dragged him to Hell, while others think he was swallowed by the Earth’s vortex. The truth, whatever it may be, remains a terrifying mystery.
Despite—or perhaps because of—the fear it inspires, the Devil’s Chair attracts ghost hunters and thrill-seeking teenagers. The cemetery, especially around Halloween, sees many visitors, some of whom vandalize the graves and headstones. To combat this, a nighttime security guard is posted on Halloween, and local psychics and mediums often block the road to the cemetery as they attempt to communicate with the dead.
The Devil’s Chair, however, remains a silent sentinel within the cemetery, waiting for the next curious soul to take a seat. Its allure is like that of a siren’s call, beckoning those who dare to listen.
A Haunting Invitation
For some, fear is not a deterrent but an attraction. The rush of adrenaline and the thrill of terror can be strangely life-affirming. The Devil’s Chair in Cassadaga Cemetery continues to be a focal point for such experiences. Its dark legends and the eerie atmosphere of the cemetery make it a compelling destination for those seeking to confront their fears or explore the unknown.
The Devil’s Chair of Cassadaga stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the otherworldly. Whether one views it as a mere legend or a gateway to otherworldly encounters, it undeniably holds a unique place in the tapestry of American haunted history. For those brave enough to take a seat, the Devil’s Chair offers a chilling invitation to step into the unknown. Do you dare to accept?
Check out our blog for more haunted tales of Florida, and to see some of the area’s most haunted locations in person, book a ghost tour with Orlando Haunts!
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