Lyndhurst Mansion Tarrytown, New York

If you think Sleepy Hollow is all Headless Horseman and ghost stories, you haven't been into the Dark Shadows. Hidden away in the nearby town of Tarrytown, which Sleepy Hollow used to be part of, lies an imposing Gothic structure. Tales of vampires, witches, werewolves, and man made monsters surround the place. Located only one mile south of the Tappan Zee bridge, Lyndhurst is a site to behold...if you dare!

Walking the paved path to the modern castle our nerves were a bit sensitive. Our tiny flashlights and the glare of the moon lit our dim pathway. Massive trees obstructed what little light we had. Mysterious scarecrows in the surrounding field stared at us from a distance. The Autumn chill had our hairs on end as we approached the monstrous structure. Colored lights lit up the facade while casting a menacing shadow. From the outside we could hear the minor keys of an organ being played, our fears were beginning to be amplified even more. We cautiously approached the colossal wooden doors. As we neared the entry we were startled to be greeted by a gentlewoman, who was eager to show us around.

Stepping through the doors with our anxieties heightened even more, we stare in amazement at the Gothic architecture. Diminutive arched windows allowing only glimmers of light. Narrow hallways line the mansion, which are offset by high vaulted cathedral style ceilings.

Originally designed in 1838. The home was constructed of limestone from the nearby quarries in Sing-Sing. It's growth continued for over a century by the several families who resided there. These included a former "Big Apple" mayor, a shrewd businessman, and a railroad tycoon. They all left their unique touch on the home. Including varying architectural styles, as well as various interior, and furnishing changes.

Besides some of it's successful owners, the home is known more for the creatures who have lurked around the property. In 1970, after being released from a vault in the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, a vampire was seen lingering around the Lyndhurst property.

 The following year several witnesses spotted a witch prowling around the grounds. it seems that as quickly as they were seen, was as quickly as they vanished. Than in 1979 things got very strange at Lyndhurst. Not only did the witch and the vampire make a return visit, but a werewolf, a mummy, and a Frankenstein monster were all detected along the property.

The locals weren't too alarmed it was just business as usual at Lyndhurst. When the mansion isn't offering day and nighttime tours it's also a quite popular filming location. 'House of Dark Shadows" and its sequel "Night of Dark Shadows", both used interior and exterior locations for filming the cult movies based on the popular soap opera.

The family friendly telefilm, "The Halloween that Almost Wasn't" was filmed almost entirely on location at the Gothic mansion. Disney routinely played the film until the late 19990's. Now the film is quite difficult to locate, which is a shame. The final scene is totally groovy! Lucky for you I found it on YouTube.

Patriots Park Phantoms Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow isn't just Headless Horsemen lurking around to scare the locals. They have their share of other ghost stories. Patriots Park located along Route 9 is thought to be haunted by the spirit of a revolutionary spy, and a man believed to be the model for Ichabod Crane. But not to worry another spirit who's thought to haunt the area, avoids the place.

September 24, 1780 Major John Andre is on his way back from an important meeting at West Point with an influential General.  As he was advancing into the village of Tarrytown he was approached by three gentlemen at gunpoint. The men began to question the Major, asking him his whereabouts and his intentions. One of the gentlemen was adorned in a Hessian coat. Major Andre believed the men were there to help escort him through New York. When informed he was mistaken, the men subsequently searched the Major. They found on him a pass signed by General Arnold. They also found letters exchanged between the Major and the General. The Major also held in his possession diagrams for West Point. Quickly the men realized they were now holding captive a British spy.

The men vehemently turned the Major over to the Continental troops who held him captive in nearby Tappan. Major John Andre's plan with General Benedict Arnold began to unfold through military trials. While Benedict Arnold ran off to Britain to acquire General status there, Major Andre was hanged by the order of George Washington. The Major eventually became quite enraged with his homeland as well as the United States. Britain refused offers for Benedict Arnold, which may have saved the Major, while the U.S. refused his request to be killed by firing squad.

Near the town of Sleepy Hollow today stands a monument to Major Andre. It's here that his spirit has been known to disturb late night visitors, even Ichabod Crane. An unnatural spirit has been seen and felt within the presence of the monument. Those passing by on quiet evenings have heard murmurings of a spirit reciting poetry. Strangely the Major himself was a published poet.

 

There's another apparition that's been spotted around the area of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, but this one specifically is believed to not haunt the Patriots Park area. General Anthony Wayne was in charge of American forces located along the Hudson. He was also responsible for the hanging of Major Andre. Locals have spotted General Wayne's ghost lurking along the banks of the river, but claim out of respect he avoids Patriots Park.

No matter how many ghost stories Sleepy Hollow may have, they all go back to the Washington Irving fabled phantom. The park is believed to also be frequented by another soul. Samuel Young a local man who lived in the area long ago is believed to visit the area occasionally. As a young man he was a schoolteacher and later became a lawyer, he was also believed to be the model for Ichabod Crane. It was in this area that Ichabod had first encountered the headless phantom that would haunt him until his demise.

...It was at this identical spot that the unfortunate Andre was captured, and under the covert of those chestnuts and vines were the sturdy yeomen concealed who surprised him. This has ever since been considered a haunted stream, and fearful are the feelings of the schoolboy who has to pass it alone after dark.-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow, New York

The village of Sleepy Hollow, New York rests approximately 30 miles to the north of midtown Manhattan. Residents in the quaint town are exuberant, and friendly. There's a crispness in the freshness of the air, and astounding views of the Hudson as well as the city skyline. The two places seem almost a million miles away. Maybe that's the reason so many city slickers have been relaxing here for decades.

The town was originally incorporated as North Tarrytown. In 1996 the residents opted to have the towns name changed to Sleepy Hollow in honor of the infamous Washington Irving story. The community has embraced the change ever since. The Headless Horsemen can be spotted on any number of places throughout the village. I like to think it's like Halloween there every day. I doubt the residents feel the same.

During Autumn the town comes alive with festivities and activities for everyone to enjoy. Children's activities can be found going on at Washington Irving's former home, Sunnyside. Ghost tours are available at the historic cemetery that's also a burial ground of the Who's Who in America. While the braver ones head to the Phillipsburg Manor on evenings to get spooked at one of the top Halloween attractions in the country.

Keep following for more on Sleepy Hollow including spots to visit from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."