Staring into the void ~ Purgatory Chasm ~ Middletown

Purgatory Chasm
Tuckerman Road
Middletown, Rhode Island
Originally published 7/2/2021; updated 12/30/2024

Google Maps terrain view

A recent jaunt to Middletown brought me back to Purgatory Chasm. From the parking lot (yellow line above) it's an easy 200-300 foot walk to the bridge.

From there you can peer down - if you dare - 150 feet into the fissure, which extends from the shore 120 feet inland. 

Either side of the bridge contains paths that lead to the huge, pebbly cliffs overlooking Second Beach and Sachuest. These make for an uneven walk, so use caution, but it's worth the view.

Rhode Island State Historic Preservation and Heritage has this description: "It was created by the effect of decomposition and wave action on a dike of trap rock in the conglomerate, which wore away faster than the conglomerate. Purgatory is of geological importance because the chasm is a good example of erosion due to wave action and because of the conglomerate beds, of "stretched pebbles and boulders," which were flattened and ‘elongated by’compression millions of years ago. In addition to being an outstanding geological,attraction, the local scenery is lovely and picturesque and the area has been known to inhabitants and visitors from prehistoric times... 

"Initials and dates inscribed in a layer of sandstone, dating from the 18th century indicate that Purgatory was known from an early time; travel and guide books reveal that the chasm and surrounding area was a popular place to visit in the 19th century..."

Of course, a place like this requires a legend, and I've found two of them. The first, from Weird Rhode Island, states that the local (nonspecitfic) native people say the chasm was caused by the axe of the (local nonspecific natives') devil, who was trying to kill an "Indian" woman for killing a White settler. Sounds more like something the settlers would come up with.

Again from RISHPC (sic): "According to legend, the Indian satan, Hobokomo, accosted an Indian squaw who had murdered a white man and dragged her here. A fight ensued and -she was thrown into the chasm. Bowl-like depressions in the rock show where she bumped her head, ax-marks indicate where the tomahawk struck, and the foot prints in the veins of stone reveal where Hobokomo ran with the squaw’s body to the edge of the chasm."

The next, from the New England Historical Society, tells of a young woman who challenges her suitor to jump over the chasm to prove his love. He does, and immediately dumps her afterward. As the above story - and most legends - the story lacks details like names and dates.

Devils and demanding fiancees aside, Purgatory Chasm is a beautiful spot with great views. I look forward to visiting in other seasons of the year to see the changes.

update: Jeff Boulanger and Ray Auger did a podcast episode on Purgatory Chasm.