Tar River

Stretching for over 200 miles in northeast North Carolina, the Tar River has long been a source for local fireside tales. Its name comes from Revolutionary War times, as it was frequently used by tar-laden barges heading out to sea. Interestingly, the main tale stems from the Revolutionary War, as well. According to locals, a patriot was drowned in the river by British Soldiers. Right before he was killed, he screamed that if he was killer, a banshee would haunt them for as long as they should live. After the patriot was killed, the banshee appeared and swiftly killed the soldiers. According to the tale, however, the banshee has never left the river- instead traveling up and down it for eternity.