EPISODE · Nov 10, 2024 · 22 MIN
The Jersey Devil
from A Popular History of Unpopular Things · host Kelli Beard
Join Kelli as she goes over New Jersey's most famous cryptozoological son - the Jersey Devil. Though the Jersey Devil was the devil-born son of the Leeds Family, not much is known about it; it lives in the Pine Barrens, it looks like a weird, winged amalgamation of animals, and it was once "caught" and put in a Philly museum in 1909 (spoiler: they painted a kangaroo with stripes).But beneath the myth is a real history - who were the Leeds family, and why is there a story about them birthing a devil? What did they do - and who did they annoy enough - to warrant this story?So let's dive back into colonial-era New Jersey history to hear how what politics, the Quakers, almanacs, and Ben Franklin have to do with the myth of the Jersey Devil.Intro and Outro music credit: @nedricmusicFind him on all streaming services and YouTube!http://www.nedricmusic.com Support the showIntro and Outro music credit: Nedric | Yello KakeFollow me on Instagram! @beardhistoryIf you want to support the show, donate to the cause at Buy Me a Coffee
What this episode covers
Join Kelli as she goes over New Jersey's most famous cryptozoological son - the Jersey Devil. Though the Jersey Devil was the devil-born son of the Leeds Family, not much is known about it; it lives in the Pine Barrens, it looks like a weird, winged amalgamation of animals, and it was once "caught" and put in a Philly museum in 1909 (spoiler: they painted a kangaroo with stripes). But beneath the myth is a real history - who were the Leeds family, and why is there a story about them birthing...
NOW PLAYING
The Jersey Devil
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m