Legend of the Willey Family Tragedy

Legend of the Willey Family Tragedy

Legend of the Willey Family Tragedy is based in Crawford Notch, NH.

The Willey Family Legend was a tragic one. The Willey family was said to have been killed by a fast moving landslide on August 28, 1826 after one of the most violent rain storms to ever hit the White Mountain Region. The relentless rains swelled the Saco River which rose quickly. The flooded Swift River carried away debris, buildings and livestock down the river.

The Willey family fearing for their lives, abandoned their home and sought safety in a rugged stone shelter on the property. The Willey family brought their hired help with them to the shelter in hopes of saving everyone from being swept down the river. But the rugged little rock shelter was destroyed by the landslide, killing everyone.

Ironically, the house everyone escaped from was found untouched. People say there was a ledge above the house which offered adequate protection and spared the house.

Giving Me The Willys…

Some say this is where the phrase “Giving Me The Willeys” originated, though we have not been able to verify this claim.