Urban Legends by State Part 18: Kansas

1. The Hamburger Man. The "Hamburger Man" is an urban legend from Kansas, primarily associated with the area around Hutchinson, where the story claims a disfigured recluse hunts teenagers and grinds them into hamburger meat. The legend, which began in the 1950s, likely originated from local fear of the desolate sand dunes north of the town, a place where people would go missing and were said to be victimized by the Hamburger Man. Reports of unsettling encounters with the Hamburger Man have circulated over the years, with witnesses describing feelings of fear and anxiety when encountering this enigmatic figure. Some claim to have seen him standing motionless by the roadside, while others tell stories of his sudden appearances and disappearances, adding to the eerie nature of the legend. The origins of the Hamburger Man tale remain shrouded in mystery and speculation. Some theories suggest that it serves as a cautionary tale warning against traveling alone at night, while others view it as a creation meant to add excitement and mystery to local culture. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the story of the Hamburger Man has persisted through generations in Kansas, becoming an integral part of the state's folklore. Have you've heard of this tale?

2. Stull Cemetery. Located in Douglas County, this cemetery is believed by some to be one of two places on Earth where the Devil makes a personal appearance, and a section of it is rumored to serve as a gateway to the other side. it's also where the climatic battle between Lucifer and the archangel Michael is in the season 5 finale of Supernatural. (I had to add that since this is my all time favorite show) have you ever been to this cemetery?

3. Albino Woman. Around Halloween, kids often like to hear the story about the Albino Woman, who supposedly roams around the Rochester Cemetery in North Topeka. Cathy Ramirez with Ghost Tours of Kansas filled me in on the information she gathered about the ghost. Old timers Cathy interviewed recalled the woman was a maid in a two story house near Rochester Cemetery. One gentleman Cathy interviewed said he remembered his dad giving her rides to the grocery store every once in awhile. The man said the woman was very nice but he never knew her name. He described her as having stark white skin, white wiry hair and blazing pink eyes. The man believed the woman died around 1965. An elderly woman remembers seeing the Albino lady when she was a young girl. On the way to school the woman remembered seeing the Albino walking through Rochester Cemetery, but she never spoke to the Albino. To this day her name remains unknown. The closest Cathy came to uncovering the woman's name was from the son of the lawyer who handled her death, the papers were disposed of before he got to them. Shortly after 1965 the sheriff's office began receiving reports of a ghostly woman in white with pink eyes. One of Cathy's former junior high teachers actually spoke to the ghost who asked him and his friend what they were doing in the cemetery. When they replied, to see you, she said they had better get going because she had to go. Cathy said more than 100 people on her tours have reported seeing the ghost, sometimes with a white German Shepherd and some folklore says she is seen with poodles. The last reported sighting was three years ago by a man driving to Goodyear on Menninger Road. Cathy said her stomping ground is close to Highway 24, 35th Street, Rochester Road and Menninger Road. Have you've heard of this story?

4. Kansas City Bat-Man/Winged Demon. The "Kansas City Bat-Man" is an urban legend describing a winged, demonic, bat-like creature that has been reported to haunt the Kansas City area, often seen near the old I-470 bypass, with some accounts also linking it to the former I-70 viaduct. This cryptid is often described as having red eyes and large wings, and is believed to be responsible for several mysterious occurrences, including the unsettling of people and pets. One girl involved in the first sighting passed out upon escaping the creature. The Demon is described as the size of a man or taller, with a 12 foot wingspan. The wings are leathery like a bat's, and the face is that of an "ugly man". When on land, it moves in a "wobbly" way. It is apparently strong enough to shake a house. Some theorists state that the Kansas City Winged Demon may be some sort of a large bird, a small pterosaur, a giant bat or a "winged goblin". Have you've heard of this winged cryptid?

5. The Sallie House is a haunted house and tourist attraction located in Atchison, Kansas. The house dates back to the mid-1800s, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Sallie, though Sallie is also thought to be a facade for something more demonic. The house has been vacant since the 1990s. The Sallie House was built in the mid-1800s, commissioned by the Finney family and home to Dr. Charles Finney. Some believe Dr. Finney practiced medicine from the house, using the bottom floor for surgery and examination, and a bedroom as an office. The Finney family lived upstairs until moving out due to a lack of space. However, the layout and floor plan of the house does not suggest this theory. The Sallie House is reported to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died there. According to legend, a child named Sallie was brought to Dr. Finney's house by her mother for severe abdominal pain. He gave her anesthesia and began emergency surgery, as he believed that Sallie's appendix was about to rupture; however, he made the first incision before the anesthesia kicked in. As he continued surgery, Sallie was screaming from pain and bled out, which ended up killing her. However, there is no physical evidence of a Sallie living or dying on the property and it has been said that the Mayor made the story up as a publicity stunt to attract more visitors to the city of Atchison. Multiple former tenants have alleged paranormal activity there. It has been especially reported by male residents and visitors, some of whom have claimed to have been scratched until they bled, which has led to Sallie being dubbed "The Man Hating Ghost". This could be because the last thing Sallie saw before death was the male doctor, whom she believed was torturing her. Have you've heard of this story?