Urban Legends by State Part 17: Iowa

1. The Black Angel of Iowa City. Many people find angels to be comforting symbolism, often represented with composed smiles and heads held towards the heavens. But unlike most angels, the Black Angel grave marker, found in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery, is more likely to fill a person with dread than with peace. Standing at nine feet tall atop a four foot pedestal, oxidized from bronze to black over years of weathering, this daunting statue has easily earned its creepy reputation. Many rumors follow this statue. Some people say that if you kiss or touch the angel, you will drop dead unless you are a virgin. Others say that the color turns a shade darker every year as a reminder of those that it has killed. It draws crowds on Halloween, because touching the angel at midnight on October 31 means that you will die in seven years. It is not known if any of these rumors are true, but it is known that security keeps a very close eye on this statue because of past vandalism, so best to keep your hands off either way. Have you seen this statue?

2. Villisca Ax Murder House. You often hear "ax murder" stories in folklore, but they are hardly ever real, at least not in a literal way. In Iowa, it really happened, in 1912 (the same year the black angel was erected, interestingly). Josiah Moore and his family and guests were all murdered in Josiah's home, and the house is now called the Villisca Ax Murder House. What makes the murder of a man, his wife, children, and friends of the children who were staying over that night is that the murders were never solved. To this day, no one has any idea who did it or why. The story is often featured on unsolved mysteries or hauntings TV shows. Guided tours of the house are available today, and the truly brave can book an overnight stay. It is said the ghosts of the victims can sometimes be heard, and even seen in the house, giving clues to help solve what happened to them. Have you've visited this house before?

3. Lover's Leap (Columbus Junction) That this narrow, swinging bridge in Columbus Junction spans an 80-foot ravine isn't the only thing that gives visitors goose bumps. The tale goes that when a Native American woman learned her love had died, she threw herself off the bridge - thus the name Lover's Leap. If you cross at night, you might hear her voice. Have you've visited this bridge?

4. The Van Meter Visitor. A legendary creature was reported to be seen over the course of several nights in late September of 1903. Residents reported seeing a bat-like creature that emitted a bright, blinding light from a horn on its head. It also had giant wings and a newspaper at the time reported that "every man, woman and child in the town is in a state of terror." The creature was first spotted by a respectable local businessman who saw it perched atop a building. Soon after, more sightings occurred, with The Visitor reportedly flying at incredible speeds and terrorizing the town. Inhabitants tried to shoot at the mysterious beast and chase it down, but to no avail. Many townspeople thought they dug too deep into the mine and that this mysterious beast came out. There have been other reported sightings over the years with the most recent coming in 2020 near Boone, Iowa. These sightings have all called this mysterious beast a giant bird. The true nature of the Van Meter Visitor remains a mystery. And maybe that's what makes this story so enduring. It's a reminder that even in our modern world, there are still room for tales that defy easy explanation, leaving room for wonder, speculation and just a touch of fear. Have you've heard of this creature?

5. Edinburgh Manor. Located in Scotch Grove near Monticello, Edinburgh Manor was once a 'poor farm" in the mid-1800s. Today, the site is said to be haunted by a number of spirits, including an ghost nicknamed 'the Joker" who pushes and pulls people's hair. The building has been abandoned since 2010. Have you've ever been here? Here is a very interesting look into the history of it. https://paranormalmilwaukee.com/locations/edinburgh-manor-iowa/