The Ghost of Marie Corriveau

By Crusader1307

A (still) well known ‘’Terror Tale’’ in Modern Quebec (Canada) – Marie Corriveau is as much Legend as it is truth. The popular ‘’Ghost Story’’ deals with Corriveau, who was born in New France (Canada) around 1733. A ‘’simple girl’’, She married and produced several children. But around 1757, He died (under what some say was unusual circumstances). Although whispered and never advanced any charges were not investigated. Marrying again – oddly, Marie’s second Husband would too be found dead. But around 1760, The Seven Years War would raise it’s conflict to Canada (between France and England). Quebec would be occupied and placed under Military rule. The rumors of both deaths came to full light and Marie was charged by a British Military tribunal. Investigations determined that Marie and several of Her Family members to be culpable. Although it was thought Marie ‘’snapped’’ due to Her ill treatment by Her husband, British Officer found Her Guilty. Sentenced to Hang, after the deed was accomplished in 1763, Marie’s body was Gibbeted and allowed to decompose – as a warning to others who may commit murder. But almost immediately, Marie’s Ghost became fodder for Ghost Stories. The Gibbeted Skeleton of Marie was reported to have been ‘’seen’’ chasing unsuspecting travelers for decades. So popular, that American Showman PT Barnum acquired Marie’s actual Gibbet in 1851 and displayed it as such. After many generations of negotiations, in the 1970s, Quebec was able to get back the macabre treasure from a Boston Museum and is currently displayed in Quebec City, Canada. But even today, reports of odd happenings follow The Gibbet. Often, people ‘’sensitive’’ to such things – report extremely negative feelings when They are anywhere near the gruesome iron torture device.