Derry in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Legend of Bigfoot
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
1. The Legend of Bigfoot Marker
Welcome to Derry Borough, "Gateway to the Mysterious Chestnut Ridge," where the legend of Bigfoot is deeply intertwined with our local history and culture. The first reports of eerie, primal screams echoing through the Derry Ridge came from Reverend Cunningham in the 1760s, sparking tales that have persisted for centuries. Whether Bigfoot is an ancestor of the ancient Gigantopithecus that crossed the Bering Strait, a visitor from another world, or from a parallel universe, the mystery endures.
The Derry Ridge and surrounding Chestnut Ridge area have been hotbeds of reported Bigfoot activity, with a significant surge beginning in the early 1970s. This region, rich in natural beauty and mystery, became a focal point for Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers alike.
In 2023, another wave of activity rekindled popular interest in Bigfoot folklore, reminding us of the allure and wonder of the Chestnut Ridge. This plaque commemorates not only the enchanting landscape of our region but also celebrates the scientific spirit to document and preserve these stories for future generations. May it inspire curiosity, wonder, and
this page online
Thank you for visiting and may your journey through the legends of Derry Borough and Chestnut Ridge be as intriguing as the tales themselves.
Erected by The Borough of Derry, Pa.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2023.
Location. 40° 19.984′ N, 79° 17.979′ W. Marker is in Derry, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County. It is on South Chestnut Street west of East 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Mossback Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 157 South Chestnut Street, Derry PA 15627, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Laurel Highlands and in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 12, 2025
2. The Legend of Bigfoot Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Honoring World War II Veterans (a few steps from this marker); 50th Anniversary of World War II Veterans (a few steps from this marker); Derry Community War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Derry Honor Roll (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Sgt. Earl R. Fillmore, Jr. Memorial Garden (approx. 0.6 miles away); Derry Community Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); New Derry War Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Derry.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
