Program

Legends & Lore®

Subject

Legend

Location

60 Bulwagga Dr, Port Henry, NY 12974, USA

Lat/Long

44.036111, -73.456659

Grant Recipient

Town of Moriah, NY

Stories about a large creature lurking in the depths of Lake Champlain have been told and retold for at least two centuries. Famously known as Champ, or Champy, this lake monster has captured imaginations locally and beyond.

In Port Henry’s Bulwagga Bay—where hundreds of sightings have been reported—legends surrounding Champ are especially strong and the community is often referred to as the “Home of Champ.” One story in particular explains the origins of the iconic lake monster in the Bay.

As the legend goes, there once was a Native American princess named Bulwagga who lived near the lake. The princess was sought after by two suitors, each who professed their love to her. After Bulwagga made her decision, the rejected suitor was overcome by a jealous rage. He followed after her to the water’s edge where she was about to swim. The scorned suitor struck Bulwagga, knocking her into the water where she tragically drowned. Realizing the horror of his actions, the suitor followed after her and jumped into the bay while holding heavy stones to sink into the deep. The legend ends with the angry fates transforming him into a lake monster forever seeking Bulwagga through his unrequited love.

The legend of Princess Bulwagga has circulated in local oral tradition for generations. To this day, Bulwagga Bay, Port Henry and the Town of Mariah draw curiosity seekers to the shores of Lake Champlain for the chance at spotting the infamous leviathan. As of 2021, there was even a wooden sculpture of Princess Bulwagga at the entrance to the municipal-owned campground at Bulwagga Bay.