An old path, known locally as Seven Sisters Road, is located in Otoe County, southeast Nebraska. According to local legend, seven women were murdered here in the 1900s.

This grisly urban legend, which has been circulating for more than a century, says that a young man once lived along a meandering road in an area known for having seven hills. Residing on a farm southeast of Nebraska City, he lived with his parents and seven sisters. According to the tale, he was very angry after arguing with his family. That night, he hid in the woods as his parents left the house, and then, one by one, he either enticed or forced each of his sisters to come with him. The young man then led them to the top of each hill and hanged each one of them from a tree until they were dead.

Afterward, no one knows what happened to the bodies or the brother. Furthermore, no official reports have been found to substantiate the hangings, but the legend persists.

Seven Sisters Road was built through the hills years after the rumored murders and the hanging trees were chopped down. The hills have also been altered over the years, and only four remain prominent today.

Since that fateful evening so long ago, the area is said to be haunted by the women’s restless spirits. Many tales have been told over the years, including the sound of terrified women screaming for help. Others have heard bells ringing that seem to come from a nearby private cemetery.

Many who have driven through the area report problems with their cars stalling, headlights mysteriously dimming, speedometers freezing, and windows rolling up and down on their own.

Others report seeing shadowy figures in the darkness, red eyes that appear to watch them, hearing voices and muffled whispers, and experiencing sudden changes in the wind.

Both paranormal groups and individuals continue to explore this creepy road, lined by looping hills and twisted trees, and report strange activity.

Seven Sisters Road, called L Street today, is about five miles southeast of Nebraska City, Nebraska.

 

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated January 2024.

Also See:

Folklore & Superstition

Ghostly Legends

Legends, Ghosts, Myths & Mysteries

Nebraska – The Cornhusker State

Sources:

Nebraska City Mysteries
Omaha World-Herald
Ranker
The 13th Floor