The Black Angel in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery is the subject of numerous local legends and ghost stories, though it's not actually haunted but rather a dark bronze statue. Myths claim that touching the statue can bring death, a kiss might seal a bond, or that pregnant women will miscarry if they walk beneath its wings. The statue's dark color is due to oxidation, and one version of the legend attributes its color to the sins of the physician who commissioned it. The statue is black due to oxidation of its bronze material, not because of anything supernatural. Some legends claim the angel turned black because of Teresa Feldevert's dark secrets or unfaithfulness, while others suggest it was struck by lightning. Many legends claim that touching or kissing the statue will result in misfortune or death for the person who does so. One myth suggests that pregnant women who walk under the angel's wings will miscarry. Another legend says a kiss from the angel can seal a lifelong bond, while others claim a kiss will lead to instant death. There are also urban legends that the angel gets one shade darker each Halloween, or that the darkness is growing each year.