In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, it is said that if one could cross the bridge before the church, he would escape the Headless Horseman and the goblin would "disappear in a flash of fire."
Of course, we all know the story of Ichabod Crane's late night ride... Here is actual pictures of where that bridge used to be.
The Area of Where it Once Branched Over the Water
Part of Its Remains
Returning to the village of Sleepy Hollow during the winter ensures a better view of the creek that runs through the cemetary. The ruins of the two old bridges can be much easier to spot when there are no leaves hiding the eroding stones. The above pictures were taken during the summer of 2000, and the below shots were taken in December, 2003. Note the difference of visibility between the different seasons, as well as the characteristics of the two bridges. The pictures below feature the bridge that was built after the one made legendary by Washington Irving collapsed. The second bridge is broken in the middle and is being washed away by time. The first bridge is barely noticeable now, a stoney wall in two opposite sides of a shifting bank of trees.
The third bridge is a brand-new one used to connect the old side of Sleepy Hollow Cemetary to the new side. The bridge is farther down the creek from the two old bridges and is large enough for car travel. It can be reached by following the paved road around the Old Dutch Church and cemetary until the bridge branches over to the right. Many people take walks along the way, so if you're driving, look out! as this is a graveyard, after all!
