In the quiet town of Exeter, Rhode Island, a family’s tragic tale sparked whispers of the undead—and became America’s most chilling true vampire story. Editor’s note: This article discusses the Mercy Brown vampire incident in historical detail, including practices related to exhumation and folklore surrounding death. Some readers may find these descriptions unsettling. We encourage readers to approach the content with an understanding of its historical context, as these events reflect the fear and misconceptions of a different era.