Not a lot is known about the cryptid, the “Monkey Dog of Dutch Fork.” Still, as I traveled around South Carolina in late November 2024, I had the opportunity to explore the region’s ghost stories.
On a frigid, rainy day, I drove to various locations, such as Little Mountain, to meet some locals. One story that I continued to hear was about a “Monkey Dog” that allegedly wreaked havoc in the area during the early 1900s. Reportedly, the hybrid creature escaped from a circus train derailment near Irmo during that time and tormented the area until the early 1980s.
Through research, I have only been able to verify a few claims, but the legend states that the creature would chase people who went down to the bridge and road late at night. He was half monkey and the other part dog.
If you have stories about the legend, I would love to hear them. We may be able to preserve South Carolina folklore and even pen a chapter in my new book, which I’m currently writing.
Written By John G. Clark Jr.
