Program

Legends & Lore®

Subject

Folklore

Location

1818 State Rte 3007, Confluence, PA 15424, USA

Lat/Long

39.857361, -79.317767

Grant Recipient

Meyersdale Public Library

Often referred to as “Hexie” or “Witches’ Hill,” Hexebarger’s boundaries are elusive, not to be found on any official map. Yet, its lore is deeply engraved in the generational memory of Turkeyfoot Valley residents.

Hexebarger’s legend stars Priscilla “Prissy” Rugg—a figure whose name still induces a palpable blend of awe and apprehension. While tales of witchcraft in the region are widespread, Prissy’s story is particularly notable, as she was not one to conform to the conventional roles of her time. Far from being the quintessential housewife, she was a maverick with a fearsome reputation. Legends tell of her riding her pristine white horse through the hills of Hexie, casting hexes upon those who incurred her wrath. The mere sight of her approaching would send neighbors scurrying for cover.

Though Prissy left the mortal realm in 1837, her legacy is not forgotten. Her legend lives on in ghostly tales, newspaper snippets, books, and songs that reverberate through the Turkeyfoot Valley. The haunting specter of Prissy on her white steed remains a poignant image for many, casting a long shadow over these hills.