Cave of the Evil Spirit
A photo of the infamous Cave of the Evil Spirit
Niagara Falls is a highly favored vacation spot in North America, yet close by to the lively commotion of delighted sightseers, there exists a concealed cave that harbors a sinister history spanning more than three centuries. Legend has it that all that enter the cave are cursed.
Where is the Cave of the Evil Spirit?
A map showing the location of the Cave of the Evil Spirit in Lewiston, NY near Niagra Falls
The Cave of the Evil Spirit, also known as Devil’s Hole Cave, is located off the Niagra Scenic Parkway in Devil's Hole State Park, Lewiston, New York, USA. It is not far from the world famous Niagra Falls.
If you're seeking an experience at Niagara Falls that deviates from the typical tourist activities and are feeling daring, you could consider visiting the Cave of Evil Spirits on your own.
To reach the cave, you must descend around one-third of the way into the gorge from Devil's Hole State Park, and a sign along the way will guide you partially back up to the cave.
The Legend of the Cave of the Evil Spirit
A view from the inside of the Cave of the Evil Spirit. Photo: Niagra Frontier
The Cave of the Evil Spirit earned its name from the Seneca Indians due to a dark legend that has been preserved and passed down through generations.
According to city historian Edward T. Williams in 1936, Canadian explorer Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, the fifth white man to set foot on Niagara County soil, encountered the cave while passing by with his Native American guide, Garonkouthie.
The guide warned LaSalle not to enter the cave and shared a cautionary tale. The legend tells of how the red men were granted the land for their sole enjoyment by the Great Spirit, but when they turned to war, the rocks began to fall off from the Great Falls of Onguiaahra, and Devil's Hole was created.
The Evil Spirit could then escape and noise of thunder, shrieks, and groans were often heard from the cave. A young brave who insisted on examining the secrets of the cave disappeared, and another young man who entered the cavern returned as a raving maniac with hair white as snow.
Despite the warning, LaSalle entered the cave and soon regretted it as the Evil Spirit whispered a prophecy that foretold his tragic fate. The legend has endured to this day, although the cave is now littered with graffiti and empty beer cans. The fate of partying teenagers who dare to enter the cave remains unknown, as LaSalle's downfall took almost 20 years to come to fruition.
To this day visitors still report hearing strange whispers and groaning voices coming from deep inside the cave.
The Devil’s Hole Massacre
A tablet describing the massacre at Devil's Hole. Image: Niagra Frontier
On September 14, 1763, a battle took place near Niagara Gorge in present-day New York state, known as the Battle of Devil's Hole or the Devil's Hole Massacre.
This battle occurred during Pontiac's Rebellion (1763-1766) and involved a detachment of the British 80th Regiment of Light Armed Foot and roughly 300 Seneca warriors.
The outcome of the battle was the death of 81 British soldiers and the injury of 8, inflicted by the Seneca warriors, before the British forces were able to retreat.
Perhaps this tragic history has contributed to the paranormal phenomena experienced at the Cave of the Evil Spirit.
Have you ever visited the Cave of the Evil Spirit? Let us know in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about the Cave of the Evil Spirit you might also be interested in the Kashmir Giants of India or the mysterious Gormanston Foxes.
