The bridge of the Headless Horseman is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Sleepy Hollow that exists…. or doesn’t exist depending upon how you look at it.
In literature and stories passed down for generations bridges often represent passing from one stage of life to another or perhaps even one realm. In the Legend of Sleepy Hollow the Headless Horseman rises up out of the Graveyard of the Old Dutch Church, crosses the bridge and rides out into the night. When he comes back he will cross that bridge and go back to the graveyard.
“An opening in the trees now cheered him with the hopes that the church bridge was at hand. The wavering reflection of a silver star in the bosom of the brook told him that he was not mistaken. …”If I can but reach that bridge,” thought Ichabod, “I am safe.” …he thundered over the resounding planks; he gained the opposite side; and now Ichabod cast a look behind to see if his pursuer should vanish, according to rule, in a flash of fire and brimstone.”
Many people who come to Sleepy Hollow want to see the Headless Horseman’s Bridge. Yet there are a couple of problems with this. First, we must remember that Washington Irving loosely based the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on the area and people in the area. So not everything is exactly as described in the book. However there are a lot of similarities.
It is believed that there was in fact a bridge that Irving had in mind when he wrote the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. That bridge was right next to the Old Dutch Church and it went across the river that runs next to the church and behind the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Unfortunately being a wooden bridge it rotted away a long time ago.
Today a more modern concrete bridge stands where it is believed the old bridge stood. I had to borrow a picture to show you from enr.com that I found online as I apparently didn’t take a picture of this bridge.
I did take a picture standing on the bridge looking towards Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
I also took a picture of the sign. This is where they believe the original bridge stood.
Recognizing that this was something people really wanted to see the town decided to build a Headless Horseman Bridge just a ways down the stream that runs behind Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
This is the bridge that they built for photo opportunities. It’s what they believe the original bridge looked like. I also have a video that I took of it for you. You can see that here: Headless Horseman Bridge.
The area is absolutely gorgeous. This is a long road that runs along the backside of the Sleepy Hollow cemetery. It’s my understanding that it’s an older road that was likely around when Washington Irving was there. Tomorrow I will show you more of the cemetery. It’s the most beautiful cemetery I have ever been to and all the leaves aren’t even in here in New England.
I hope that you have the most magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong