Headless Horseman Bridge Sleepy Hollow, New York

While attempting to flee from the path of the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane took a route through the Old Dutch burial grounds. It was in these grounds where the final showdown between the two took place. Ichabod felt if he could cross the bridge spanning the Pocantico river he could escape the ruthless horseman who was hot on his tail. Others who had encountered him had declared the horseman would vanish in a ball of fire if this occurred.

As the two raced toward the diminutive structure the headless horseman quickly gained ground. When Ichabod's horse hit the rustic bridge the lumber boards rattled below. The simpleton glanced behind him in anticipation of seeing his pursuer burst into a ball of flames. Instead he saw the horseman's steed rise up on two legs while the decapitated goblin hurtled his head at his unsuspecting victim. Many believe this was the end of Ichabod Crane's life.

The bridge where these two dueled has been debated for centuries by historians. Whatever small truss spanned this narrow body of water has since decayed into nothing. One thing they all agree on is that a covered bridge never crossed these waters. Both Tim Burton's and Disney's adaptations of the story include a final showdown in a covered bridge.

The four lane modern bridge on route 9 is named the Headless Horseman bridge and was constructed by William Rockefeller, who founded Standard Oil with his brother John. This bridge is in close proximity to the one Ichabod and the horseman had their final confrontation.

 But those who are looking for a more authentic replica head into the Sleepy Hollow cemetery gates and discover the rustic beauty they have hidden away. It may not have a cool sign near it, but it makes for an awesome souvenir photo. Get yours here!

On one side of the church extends a wide woody dell, along which raves a large brook among broken rocks and trunks of fallen trees. Over a deep black part of the stream, not far from the church, was formerly thrown a wooden bridge; the road that led to it, and the bridge itself, were thickly shaded by overhanging trees, which cast a gloom about it, even in the daytime; but occasioned a fearful darkness at night. Such was one of the favorite haunts of the Headless Horseman, and the place where he was most frequently encountered.   The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York

                                                               
The Sleepy Hollow cemetery rests within the same grounds as the Old Dutch church, though they are two separate entities. Originally incorporated as the Tarrytown Cemetery, the name was changed posthumously to honor Washington Irving.

The graves are an array of towering Victorian memorials, lavish crypts, and marble mausoleums. Besides Washington Irving, the memorial grounds are a Who's Who of famous deceased Americans. Several high standing employees of the controversial Standard Oil Company. Including John and Nelson Rockefeller make Sleepy Hollow their final resting place.

Other top industrialists buried within include cosmetics magnate Elizabeth Arden. Leo Baekeland, a man known as the father of plastic. Steel empire founder Andrew Carnegie and his family. Walter Chrysler, the founder of the Chrysler Corporation. Even real estate mogul Harry Helmsley and his wife Leona are buried here. Leona Helmsley is known for bequeathing 12 million dollars to her dog after her passing.

Several other graves in the yard represent several prominent actors, artists, athletes, authors, and politicians. Certainly a wide array of various eccentrics. But after all isn't that just what America really is?

The cemetery routinely offers guided tours around the grounds. A guide points out some of the famous grave markers as well as some of the abnormal ones. Evenings in the Autumn season a Washington Irving re-enactor stops by to read his ghostly short story.

Old Dutch Church Sleepy Hollow, New York

The Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow has undergone many changes through the centuries. Fires wreaked havoc on the site, renovations were done, and than stripped away. But through resilience and neighborly pride the church has stood for over 300 years. It's believed to be the oldest church in New York state, it's certainly one of it's most famous.

When Frederick Philipse a very wealthy and prominent man relocated himself and his family to the area the parcel of land was a just few dozen gravestones. With his massive estate nearby he decided to build a church for his new neighbors. Following the passing of his wife a few years later. Frederick quickly remarried and was urged by his newlywed bride to build a more permanent structure for the community. Massive natural limestone rocks were used to strengthen the integrity of the building. In 1697 the first congregation and Pastor christened the church.

In 1961 the church was deemed a National landmark. It's not just the history or gothic construction that attracts so many visitors. It's the same hallowed grounds the Headless Horseman haunted Ichabod Crane in the legendary tale. In fact several of the deceased located within the grounds are believed to have been models for the characters in the book. Eleanor and Katerina Van Tassel are both believed to have been the inspiration for Katrina Van Tassel. A likeness to antagonist Brom Bones is also resting peacefully here. So are Joseph and Samuel Youngs, both or one of these men were believed to have been the basis for the Ichabod Crane character. According to the legendary short story by Washington Irving. This same cemetery is the final resting place of the headless Hessian who haunted poor Ichabod.

The sequestered situation of this church seems always to have made it a favorite haunt of troubled spirits. It stands on a knoll, surrounded by locust-trees and lofty elms, from among which its decent, whitewashed walls shine modestly forth, like Christian purity beaming through the shades of retirement. A gentle slope descends from it to a silver sheet of water, bordered by high trees, between which, peeps may be caught at the blue hills of the Hudson. To look upon its grass-grown yard, where the sunbeams seem to sleep so quietly, one would think that there at least the dead might rest in peace.

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."