The Devil's Tree

The Devil's Tree is a solitary oak, with some dead limbs, growing in an undeveloped field on Mountain Road in the Martinsville, New Jersey section of Bernards Township. It is just opposite Emerald Valley Lane, a recently constructed subdivision.Local legend, extensively documented in "Weird NJ" magazine and the book based on it, has it that the tree is cursed or the property of the Devil. Supposedly, those who damage or show disrespect to the tree in its presence (usually by urinating on it or making disparaging remarks about it within its vicinity) will shortly thereafter come to some sort of harm, often taking the form of a car accident or major breakdown as they leave.Moran, Mark and Sceurman, Mark; "Weird NJ: Your Travel Guide to New Jersey's Local Legends and Best-Kept Secrets", Barnes & Noble, 2003; 14-16.] Others report being chased after nighttime visits to the site by black Phantom vehicles that disappear when a major road is reached. Even simply touching the tree has been said to cause unexplained effects, such as hands turning black afterwards.

In winter, supposedly, the ground beneath the tree is free from snow no matter how much has fallen or how recently. A nearby boulder called "Heat Rock" is reputedly warm to the touch regardless of season or time of day, and is thus believed to be a portal to Hell.

It is said that unruly slaves were hanged from the tree in colonial times, or that the Ku Klux Klan gathered there for lynchings, and that local history generally imparts this malicious character to the tree."Tales from the Devil's Tree", "Weird NJ", May 2006.] The hangings are said to have been done using the branch that runs almost parallel to the ground.Despite the dire warnings of the legends, enough damage to the tree has occurred that its lower trunk has had to be protected with a section of chainlink fence wrapped around it. There is also some graffiti on it above the level of the fence.

Furthermore, the site is now constantly patrolled, and nearby homeowners consider the tree to be an extreme nuisance.Fact|date=February 2007 The township's plans to develop the land might have required the tree's removal, but it instead decided to keep it as it is and protect the tree. Since early 2007 there has been a sign that states when it is open and closed to the public.

References

External links

* [http://www.weirdnj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=28 The Devil's Tree] at weirdnj.com