If you are looking for a scenic and historic place to visit in Idaho, you might want to check out Massacre Rocks State Park. Located near Pocatello, this park offers stunning views of the Snake River and the surrounding rock formations. It also has a rich history as a landmark on the Oregon Trail, where thousands of pioneers passed through in search of a better life in the west.
But there is more to this park than meets the eye. According to a local legend, Massacre Rocks is also home to a sinister phenomenon known as the Water Babies. These are not cute and cuddly creatures, but rather vengeful spirits of drowned infants that lurk in the river, waiting for unsuspecting victims.
The origin of this legend is unclear, but there are several versions that circulate among the locals. One version claims that the Water Babies are the result of a tragic decision made by a Native American tribe that lived in the area long ago. Faced with a severe famine, the tribe decided that they could not afford to feed any more mouths, so they forced their women to drown their newborn babies in the river. The babies did not die, but instead adapted to their watery environment by growing fins and gills. They also developed a hatred for humans, especially those who came near their territory.
Another version of the legend attributes the Water Babies to a group of white settlers who traveled on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. According to this story, some of the settlers were afflicted with a mysterious disease that caused their babies to be born deformed and sickly. The settlers believed that these babies were cursed and would bring bad luck to their journey, so they threw them into the river as well. The babies survived and mutated into aquatic beings that sought revenge on their parents and anyone else who crossed their path.
Regardless of which version you believe, the legend of the Water Babies has persisted for generations and has inspired many stories and sightings. Some people claim to have heard eerie cries and laughter coming from the river at night, or seen small figures splashing in the water. Others say that they have felt something tug at their ankles or pull them under when they ventured too close to the river's edge. Some even swear that they have seen the Water Babies themselves, with pale skin, webbed fingers, and large eyes.
Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, you might want to think twice before dipping your toes into the Snake River at Massacre Rocks State Park. You never know what might be lurking beneath the surface, waiting for an opportunity to strike. The Water Babies of Massacre Rocks are a haunting legend that adds a touch of mystery and horror to this otherwise beautiful and peaceful place.
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