La Crosse Daily Press
July 20, 1901

“Sea Serpent Seen By Campers”

La Crosse, WI- The aged sea serpent, of whom stories are related by early pioneers of La Crosse, has yet again made its appearance in the vicinity of the cottage at Eagle Bluff and other places along the Mississippi River between La Crosse and Dresbach, Minnesota.

Thrilling tales are told by camping parties of hair-breadth escapes from this poisonous creature. The sea serpent was seen yesterday near Dreabach by a party of campers who landed on that side of the river to have lunch. One of the gentlemen in the party was on shore when a large snake-like creature, which had coiled around a huge log, glided off into the river, hissing like escaping steam. The serpent was greenish black in color with a few spots of white near the neck. Its head was protected by two horns, like those of a calf, and its tail lashed the water into foam before the reptile disappeared into the depths of the Mississippi. The campers did not hesitate long to seek another place for lunching.

“Historic Cryptid Headlines” showcases actual articles involving cryptids that were published within United States newspapers back in the 1800’s-1900’s. The articles posted here are written exactly as they appeared during their original publishing date.

-The Pine Barrens Institute