I know I've mentioned previously on the blog that I live very near to Sleepy Hollow. But what I haven't mentioned is that this area which includes Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and Ossining are considered by ghost hunters and paranormal experts from all over the world to be one of the most haunted areas in the world. Yep. The world. The landscape is quite beautiful with much still wild and untouched, which turns a little spooky in autumn and downright sinister in winter. Its in autumn when you begin to really feel that the area may indeed be haunted.
Of course a good deal of the hauntings take place in Sleepy Hollow, where the author Washington Irving had his tale take place. He lived in Sunnyside, a beautiful home on the Hudson which you can actually see if traveling by train on the Metro North Hudson Line. Sunnyside itself is believed to be haunted by quite a few, including Washington Irving himself.
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| Suunyside, home of Washinton Irving |
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| Washington Irving |
The Old Dutch church cemetery does really exist a little further north from Sunnyside in Sleepy Hollow. Again, pretty active with ghosts, including Samuel Youngs who was the model Washington Irving used for Icabod Crane. As an extra aside, in the TV series "Dark Shadows" Barnabas Collins emerges from one of the crypts in the cemetery, and Lyndhurst Mansion (also quite haunted) was Collingswood Mansion in both of the Dark Shadows films in 70 & 71.
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| The Old Dutch Church |
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| The Legend of Sleepy Hollow |
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| Lyndhurst Mansion |
Did you know the infamous pirate Captain Kidd is buried somewhere most likely in Tarrytown (its unknown where exactly but this is where he and his crew were hung), and his ghost is usually pretty active too. As are his crew. It is also believed that some of Captain Kidd's buried treasure is in the area, but guarded by the ghosts of his crew. (Hmm wonder if I can find a way to keep those ghosts busy while I steal the treasure?)
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| Captain Kidd
I've decided to break this post up into two, possibly three parts. There is a very interesting story of a local legend that many may find to be a spooky story, and perhaps I'll write a little more about halloween history. I don't want to bore you with too much to take in at once! So end of Part One!
XXX
Jet
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Eeeeek! Love it! I'm thrilled that you are doing these posts, especially surrounding Sleepy Hollow, I would give anything to be able to visit the area, I'd be spending day and night wandering around snapping pictures here, there and everywhere! You're such a lucky lady to live in such a place!
ReplyDeleteThere are these amazing Headless Horseman statues in the halloween section at Home Goods in America which someone posted a picture of on the HalloweenForums and I'm so completely and utterly gutted that we can't get them here in the UK, Sleepy Hollow really is one of my best loved films and to own a Sleepy Hollow statue would be something really special!
I can't wait for you next post :D I've finally remembered to add your blog to my blogroll so I shan't be missing any posts in future! ~♥~
I just knew you'd love this one! Well m'dear if you're ever in NY I promise to give you a tour! You would love it, they have banners flying year round of the Headless Horseman. And of course at Halloween all kinds of spooky doings! I'm gonna email... I have to go to Home Goods so maybe... XXX Jet PS Thanks for adding me to your blogroll, it reminded me to do the same!
DeleteOoh yes, like Sandy I love anything to do with hauntings, more please!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness I thought I replied to this, yipes! Well part two is up, part three will be either the end of this week or next. XXX
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