Early Sightings

Reports of a long water creature in Lake Erie began in the eighteenth century when travelers and fishers described a dark shape moving through the waves. These early accounts spoke of a long smooth body that rose above the surface before sinking again.

Descriptions of Lake Erie Bessie

People who claim to have seen the creature describe a long shape that moves with a smooth motion. Some describe a wide head while others describe a narrow shape. The differences in detail have led to many ideas about what the creature may be.

Public Interest of Lake Erie Bessie

Stories about the creature became common in newspapers during the nineteenth century. Fishers shared accounts of large shapes moving under their boats. The legend grew as more people repeated similar stories.

Possible Explanations of Lake Erie Bessie

Some believe the creature may be a very large fish while others think it may be a wave pattern or floating debris. The legend continues because the lake is large and deep and because the stories have been told for many generations.