Wicked Ulster County: Halloween Book Talk w/ A. J. Schenkman

"The New York Herald proclaimed in an 1870 edition of the paper that Ulster County, New York, was considered to be the "Ulcer County" of New York State. It pointed out that this was due to its "lawlessness and crime." In the last "six months, " the columnist wrote, "it has been the scene of no less than four cold-blooded and brutal murders, six suicides and four elopements.""

"The New York Times during the same period, 1878, labeled Kerhonkson, in Ulster County, the paranormal center of New York State. When discussing the Rose ghost, the paper reported, "Ulster County seems to be a favored neighborhood for ghostly visitations, and other things of a marvelous nature." However, there were other ghosts such as the violent MacDonald Ghost that was trying to tell the family it tormented a message."

"Dive into tales from Wicked Ulster County: Tales of Desperadoes, Gangs & More and discover their ties to NYC with author A. J. Schenkman Learn about ghosts that terrorized residents of Kerhonkson in the 19th century, gaining the attention of newspapers of New York City See how one New York City's most prominent underworld gang leaders and hisfollowers sought refuge in Ulster County like so many later mobsters Meet some of the law enforcement who brought criminals to justice"

Ulster County garnered a reputation for lawlessness and paranormal activity in the late 19th century. Newspaper accounts recorded multiple cold-blooded murders, suicides, and elopements over a six-month span, prompting the epithet "Ulcer County." Kerhonkson attracted attention as a hotspot for ghostly visitations, including the Rose ghost and the violent MacDonald Ghost that appeared to try to communicate with a tormented family. The county also intersected with organized crime, providing refuge for underworld figures such as Gyp the Blood. Law enforcement responses included prosecutions and the execution of NYPD Lieutenant Becker in the Sing-Sing electric chair. The history blends crime, paranormal lore, and ties to New York City.

Read at Untapped New York