Since the time of the Iroquois, people along Lake Champlain have reported seeing a monster in it. Modern Americans call it "Champ," and their opinions about it tend to fall into one of two camps: either it's a prehistoric whale, or it's a log. Whatever it is, both the Vermont and New York state legislatures have passed laws protecting it.
In 1984 the state of Vermont put up a monument to Champ. Most locals have heard of the monument, but have never seen it -- and it's easy to understand why. It's a squat granite block, hard to spot on the end of Perkins Pier, and hardly big or flashy enough to do justice to a monster. "Dedicated to Champ, Beula Aquatica Champlainiensis, and those people in Vermont who have seen Champ," is its inscription, along with a goofy rendering of Champ, and the logos of the Rock of Ages granite company and the Vermont state lottery.
Update: There are a few other signs of Champ spirit around town. And Tipster Brian reports the local minor league baseball team is now named the "Vermont Lake Monsters," in honor of the creature.
