My Visit To Sleepy Hollow – Part 2

The other day I introduced you to Sleepy Hollow and a brief history of the area and how it’s set up.  Today I wanted to dive in a bit deeper with you and show you a place that many of you have likely heard of….The Old Dutch Church.   The Old Dutch Church and the Burying Ground have quite an important role in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow as that is where the Headless Horseman rises.  While you won’t find the tomb of the Headless Horseman you will find the Old Dutch Church that Washington Irving was referring to as well as the burial ground.

This is the Old Dutch Church. I have a short video that I took of it for you here: Old Dutch Church. 

This church is the second oldest church in the state of New York with a completion date of 1699. It was completed by Lord Philipse of Philipseburg manor.  We looked at his farm yesterday.   Washington Irving brought this church its fame when he included it in his book, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The church has been renovated several times through the years after a fire in the 1800s and another time for a bicentennial celebration.  If you would like to go inside they have so many wonderful tours in the fall including one of my favorites that I hope they will continue, the reading of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  I know they have put it online in the past so you may even be able to find it online.  I remember telling many of you that Cole and I watched it one year on Halloween. 

They also have regular church services for their community.

This was another picture I was able to get of the inside of the church.

The burial grounds had so many old stones.  I only wish I had more time to look at them all. 

The burial grounds were around three acres.  Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a different organization and it’s 90 acres wrap around the Old Dutch Church Burial Grounds.  I will get into Sleepy Hollow Cemetery with you for a day or two this week.  It is hands down the most incredible cemetery that I have ever been to and I have so much to share with you.

You can see where a stone has decided to claim a stone here.  There is ivy growing out of the back of the stone and going up the tree.

At the back of the burial ground, we found this shed.

There are a few notable people buried in this burial ground.  One of them is Eleanor Van Tassel.  It is said that she was the inspiration for Katrina Van Tassel in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Another is the Bohemian Witch as they call her. I will tell you her story tomorrow!  Oh! The Headless Horseman Bridge. I will show you that one day this week as well.

Have a magickal day!

Much Love and Many Blessings,

Jasmeine Moonsong