Tappy East Creek is a very shallow stream that runs along the east border of Burkittsville, Maryland.

In 1825, a young girl named Eileen Treacle drowned in the river. Eleven eye-witnesses claimed to have seen a ghostly hand reach up out of the water and pull the girl under. Despite a search of the river, Eileen's body was never found.

Several days later, the creek mysteriously became clogged with oily bundles of sticks, rendering the water useless for thirteen days. Several animals got sick as a result.