Most Rhode Islanders are familiar with the state's most famous vampire, but few know the fascinating history associated with it. Occurring in the 19th century, the New England Vampire Panic is a well documented period of history fueled entirely by urban legend and fear. Rhode Island was at the center of this series of unfortunate events consisting of the exhumation of corpses and burning of internal organs. The belief was that tuberculosis was caused by the dead consuming the life of their surviving family members and the only way to stop the disease was to dig up the dead and burn their hearts to halt the "vampire" activity.
No other case during the Vampire Panic has become as legendary as that of Mercy Brown.
The Brown family watched several members perish of Tuberculosis, including Mercy in 1891.
The surviving family continued to suffer from the tuberculosis outbreak and it was suspected that Mercy was causing the ailments from the grave.
This led to the decision to examine Mercy's grave.
Upon examination, there were few signs of decomposition and Mercy had appeared to have moved in her grave.
Though there are several explanations for these occurrences, the legend of Mercy Brown the vampire from Exeter, Rhode Island lives on. Her grave in Exeter is a popular attraction for ghost hunters and fans of urban legends wishing to visit the site of an alleged vampire.
You can visit the grave of this alleged vampire at the cemetery of the historic Baptist church found at 467 Ten Rod Road in Exeter.
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