4. According to many, Bigfoot’s first appearance in a newspaper came in 1818
On 22nd September 1818, Bigfoot took typically hulking strides from Native American folktales to newspapers. The Exeter Watchman reported some strange events in New York State, which it is worth repeating in full. ‘In the vicinity of Ellisburg, was seen on the 30th Ult. by a gentleman of unquestionable veracity, an animal resembling the wild man of the woods. It is stated that he came from the woods within a few rods of this gentleman. He stood and looked at him and then took his flight in a direction which gave a perfect view of him for some time.
‘He is described as bending forward when running – hairy, and the heel of the foot narrow, spreading at the toes. Hundreds of persons have been in pursuit for several days, but nothing further is heard or seen of him. The frequent and positive manner in which the story comes, induces us to believe it. We wish not to impeach the veracity of this highly favoured gentleman – such naturally improbable accounts should be established by the mouth of at least two direct eyewitnesses to entitle them to credit’. Was this the earliest sighting of the elusive Bigfoot, or another undiscovered creature?