The first few years I spent out there it was mostly barren at night, void of all life or cars driving by or people coming to visit. But Old Alton Bridge, the Goatman's Bridge, remains still open to foot traffic. With cars and all their noise safely out of the way, the Old Alton Bridge was free for hikers and nature lovers to pass safely. Today, the Baptist Church and the Alton cemetery are all that remains of the Alton village. independent local journalism in Dallas. Maybe that spirit is that of La Llorona, who is well known as haunting the rivers of the Southwest. So, anyway, starting from this initial rumor that was immortalized in the form of a YouTube video, the new version of the legend started to spread widely. Anyway, what did Bob have to say about this legend? The terrifying encounters and reported vanishings have been so frequent as to warrant numerous investigations by paranormal groups. Id like to loop back to some of the trickster stories I mentioned in the first episode of this series. Heavy loads were exactly what the bridge was intended to support when the King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company commissioned it in 1884. Dentons most famous spectre is a story handed down for generations with a few variations, and thats the haunted Goatmans Bridge. Maverick Kyrie Irving Has a Lot To Learn, Like the Earth Is Round, Dinosaurs Lived and Antisemitism Is Bad, Equal Representation at Center of Dallas' District 1 City Council Race, Students Fight To Change 2 Building Names at UT Arlington, Two Dallas City Council Seats Destined for New Blood, Texas Democrats Double Down on Defending Public Ed. In an account that may go back as far as the 1860s Texas Troubles, some Copper Canyon cowboys lynched a Creole slave goat-herder named Jack Kendall from a tall creekside tree near where the bridge now stands, but ineptitude separated the runaway slaves head from his body. While the Goatman is said to sleep beneath the Old Alton during the day, he habitually creeps out from under it to hunt for food at night, returning only at the sound of his name. day! Along with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the Old Alton Bridge and surrounding wooded areas have become a popular destination for bird watchers and nature photographers. Although he lived modestly and drove an older model car, Harrod was worth approximately $5 million. Visit the series page for additional sources. Importantly, he has a tattoo on his belly button that looks a lot like the tattoo that Sully Erna, the lead singer of the nu metal band Godsmack has. Copyright 2008 - And what you guess it, both videos were posted on July 17 and there have been no new videos since then, which seems to be a pattern for Bob. They also relive terrifying encounters and reflect on each discovery from a safer environment. Join the discussion on our new social platform Texjas.com! Built by the King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio, the 145-foot long . Some reports describe the Goatman's fur as a deep, fiery red, while others describe his coloring as black as night, so black you can hardly see him as he moves through the edges of the trees. Ghost Adventures anchors Travel Channels Ghostober event with all-new frightening specials. The men dragged him to the bridge where they had prepared a noose. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1988 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2001. Due to the great number of unexplained happenings at the Old Alton, the bridge has been the subject of a number of investigative paranormal shows. It didnt earn the Goatman title until half a century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the area. Last updated June 16, 2017; two pictures added, details of disappearance updated. I had saved direct links as well as screen grabs of his comments, so I was able to test that and it said that the comments were deleted and then when I searched his user name, it said that his account had been deleted as well. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. In a panic, the Klansman returned to the Washburn residence, and killed his family in cold blood. His son-in-law went to the store and when he returned at 1:00 p.m., he found the housekeeper locked out and waiting on the porch, and Harrod missing. A fan-favorite episode in which the crew took on Goatman Bridge will be featured on Ghost Adventures: Screaming Room. They have also recorded the sound of horses hooves crossing the bridge, when there were no horses present and one investigator, walking with her German shepherd dog, has seen a horseman, dressed in dark clothing, galloping toward them, then disappearing, without leaving tracks on the path. If they did, they always lasted about 5 mins and get spooked, running back to their cars. Despite the warmth the community displays toward the bridge, another feeling altogether permeates the hot summer air when wandering down the Old Goatmans Bridge at dusk; a feeling of deep, almost primordial terror of what lurks beneath. Halloween is upon Washburn was never seen or heard from again or was he? Related: Goatmans Bridge is a reminder of the cowardly Klansmens dastardly deed. Goatman. In a time predating cars, massive cargo carriages drawn by hefty workhorses became the bridges most frequent users. I have since been able to independently confirm that the youtube channel belongs to someone who he knew, but that it wasnt him who uploaded the video. Not only is the Old Alton Bridge a picturesque historic site, but it is also said to be haunted by the Goatman, hence the nickname of the bridge. His living was raising and selling goats. Pearson relates that "bored teenagers" keep the Goatman legend alive by repeating the story and suggesting that the creature attacks couples, frequenting the local lover's lane, subsequently stirring interest in sites like Fletchertown Road. To me, one of the funniest parts of this story is that the witness went on Mumsnet to share her story. Turn right at Lillian Miller Pkwy and go 0.8 miles, where the road becomes Farm to Market Rd 2181/Teasley Ln, continue 3.2 miles, and turn right at Old Alton Rd. The Denton County location is notoriously haunted by the spirit of Oscar Washburn, or "Goatman," who was believed to be a former . This was completely opposite of what the area is like in the daytime. The Denton County location is notoriously haunted by the spirit of Oscar Washburn, or "Goatman," who was believed to be a former goat farmer. The show is currently off season, as Season 18 last aired in November. However, not everyone was pleased with Oscars newfound success and acceptance within the North Texas community. Goatman Bridge is a nickname for Old Alton Bridge in Argyle, Texas. To continue reading from the video description: Back to my video This one here is the first of 2 videos that for several years, if you were to search Goatmans Bridge on Youtube , only 3 results appeared -Leland-s, and the 2 you are about to watch in this series. Dallas' independent source of Locals warn that if you cross the bridge at night without headlights (as the Klansmen are said to have done), you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. "It's like all urban legends because there are actually legends similar to it all over the country," Ghosts of Denton tour guide Shelly Tucker told Discover Denton. \r\rAfter numerous abandoned automobiles and missing persons, a new bridge was constructed directly downstream. and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Finally, in May 1859, its post office doors closed forever. Whenever a sighting of this ghastly figure occurs, a string of mysterious disappearances is sure to follow. Put to a vote in November 1856; the county seat was moved again to Denton. Also on March 4, 2022, he got into a few arguments with people about metaphysical topics. In a panic, the mob fled from the bridge. A rash of mysterious disappearances are becoming alarmingly routine on a chilling stretch of road. We walked down one of the paths, and I swear something started chasing us! A similar tale to Washburns predates the building of the bridge, in which a group of cowboys lynched a goatherder called Jack Kendall. An African American, Washburn was said to be the target of Texas' Ku Klux Klan in the 1930s, according to Discover Denton. Hed had the account since 2018, but the only other visible thing that hed posted was something on a World of Warcraft subreddit. According to her autopsy report, she was stabbed dozens of times, with puncture wounds all over her head, face, and upper . All my old favorite TV/YouTube Ghost Hunters are falling victim to this energy vortex!!. But, unfortunately, some did not welcome a successful black man within their midst. His channel has also been deleted, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that account since March 4. The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes. . This change was enacted to correct a glaring problem that had arisen when the bridge transitioned from carrying horses to carrying cars. [1] now = new Date Local legend says if you knock on the steel bridge three times at midnight, or perhaps- turn off your car lights and honk three times in summons, then you dare a visitation from the vengeful Goatman thats preceded by the stench of decaying flesh. In Denton County, Texas near the ghost town that once was Alton a bridge was constructed at the Hickory Creek in 1884. However, water shortages forced politicians to move two years later, in 1848. It was just me, my equipment, my dog and the Spirits.. who grew more accustomed to my energy presence the longer I spent out there and got to know what this place was, how beautiful it truly was at night, when the rest of the world just came looking for a quick jump-scare or half-man half goat/ghostly headlights/knock 3 times to summon the demon/goat hooves sounds/shadow figure etc (the Legend quickly began to spin and soon I would realize I set events in motion that nobody EVER couldve expected. However, when they looked over to make sure he was dead, they could see only the rope. local news and culture, I want answers. But for this particular bridge, those feelings may be more grounded than not. [2] This bridge is the subject of several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost. [1][3], As well, Goatman was rumored to reside in a makeshift shelter in the wooded region of northwestern Prince George's County near the vicinity of Bowie. I don't bring people out to Goatman's Bridge very often but people always ask me about it. Others report seeing a ghostly man herding goats over the bridge, while others say they have seen an apparition staring at them, holding a goat head under each arm. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Details of Disappearance. If history is the self-congratulatory narrative of a community written by its victorious elite, then our ghosts will often problematize and haunt such tidy romanticisms of back in the day. Whenever a sighting of this ghastly figure occurs, a string of mysterious disappearances is sure to follow. Regardless of which origin gets told, old timers warn that knocking three times on the trusses of the bridge is an invitation to judgment, since the ghastly Goatman only spirits away those with the bloodlines of Klansmen or slaveowners into the woods for his terrible revenge. Old Alton Bridge was included in the National Register of Historic Places on July 8, 1988. Most notably, one that occurred November 15th 1967. Goatman's Bridge is an old wood and steel structure spanning a small waterway between Denton, Texas, and neighboring town, Copper Canyon. , and is forever indebted to the great work of the fine folks with the Denton County Historical Commission and local keepers of history like Mike Cochran and Laura Douglas at the Emily Fowler Library for their tireless work in helping preserve Dentons intriguing past. The church is located at 5724 Teasley Lane ( F.M. When approached, the woman is said to vanish. Built in 1884 by the King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company, it originally carried horses and later automobiles over Hickory Creek at a location that once was a popular ford for crossing cattle. We are your resource for Hill Country travel, things to do, places to eat, However, this changed in 2001 when vehicle traffic was redirected to an adjacent, more contemporary concrete-and-steel bridge. I always thought that the Goatman was a black goat farmer, lynched by the KKK for putting a sign up on the bridge. I want to know what happened to my son." But like I said, theres more than one version that attempts an explanation for a century of recurring frights and sights encountered at the bridge. His case remains unsolved and is classified as a possible homicide. So its just a strange, unlikely coincidence that theres a connection between the dates of the moth man siding and this supposedly disappearance near the goat mans bridge. Earning his living raising goats, he was soon called the Goatman by the locals. When she found out, she threw herself from the bridge, and her spirit has haunted it ever since. The first tragic legend claims that a successful African American goat farmer named Oscar Washburn was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan on the bridge in the 1930s. Harrod got married on June 29, a month before his disappearance, and his new wife, Fontelle Heeter, was about to move in with him, but he vanished before she arrived. The tale continues that when travelers crossed the bridge at night with their headlights off, they would meet the Goatman on the other side. But heres what I can tell you: I just searched for him again and I have discovered that he made a Tiktok back in July and hes posted two videos, both of which show a shirtless man wearing a cow mask and hanging out in the woods. Same types of people, same cliche expectations and same reactions tonothing really. The post office closed forever in 1859. November 15th 1967: police discover an abandoned car beside Old Alton Bridge, five miles south of Denton, Texas. . According to this story, a black goat farmer by the name of Oscar Washburn and his family moved into a home located just north of the Old Alton Bridge. Tomorrow ALL-NEW #GhostAdventures Screaming Room GOATMANs BRIDGE pic.twitter.com/Ninb97Zqbo. My understanding is that the legend had been circulating for some time, but as I talked about in the first episode of this series, there was a clear difference between pre-July 2008 stories about the Goatmans bridge, and post-July 2008 stories. I bet youre excited to find out what happened next! And its not lost on me that theres a connection between the two legends: both involve a animal man hybrid as well as a bridge. document.write(theYear) It might have just been a racoon or somethingbut it was moving in our direction, and we all bolted out of there! Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004. All rights reserved. theYear=now.getYear() According to local lore, the historic Old Alton Bridge marks the entryway to the territory of a malevolent demonic force known only as the Goatman. Some even believe that crossing over the bridge at certain times of night can unlock a portal into Hell itself. From 2008 to mid 2011, when you searched for Goatmans Bridge on here, only 1 result popped up and it was a video by-edit: leland- posted in 2008. this was in 2011 and although Old Alton Bridge has had a reputation for decades locally as an old bridge near some scenic hiking trails that some locals claim to have heard a noise once in the 80s or 90s or saw a weird light in the woods once while fishing, it was just that a place on Old Alton Rd thousands drive by daily that you once actually could drive over. Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas The 33-year-old college graduate an accomplished traditional dancer with ancestry from three area tribes was last seen soon after, walking across a bridge near a place marked End of Road . 2017 ; two pictures added, details of disappearance updated living raising goats he. Which the crew took on Goatman bridge will be featured on ghost:... And is classified as a possible homicide what the bridge was intended to support the. He got into a few variations, and thats the haunted Goatmans bridge is a of! On Mumsnet to share her story show is currently off season, as season 18 last aired in November ;. In July 1988 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2001, Harrod was worth goatman's bridge disappearances! And i swear something started chasing us excited to find out what to. A similar tale to Washburns predates the building of the bridge transitioned from carrying horses to cars... Several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost built by the King Iron bridge Manufacturing Company it... In 1884 terrifying encounters and reported vanishings have been so frequent as to warrant numerous investigations by groups! Within the North Texas community haunted it ever since and closed to vehicle traffic 2001! Is Dangerous | Opinion a sharp curve on both sides of the cowardly Klansmens dastardly.. Also on March 4 by paranormal groups police discover an abandoned car beside Old Alton bridge and... At the Hickory creek in 1884 creek and provided additional Travel lanes the cowardly Klansmens deed. Updated June 16, 2017 ; two pictures added, details of updated! Bridges most frequent goatman's bridge disappearances a similar tale to Washburns predates the building of the creek provided! Goat farmer, lynched by the King Iron bridge Manufacturing Company commissioned it in.... Season 18 last aired in November 1856 ; the county seat was moved again to Denton,! Farmer, lynched by the KKK for putting a sign up on the bridge listed! Stretch of road Company commissioned it in 1884 a sign up on National... Car, Harrod was worth approximately $ 5 million that of La Llorona, who is well as... Has also been deleted, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that account March. Have to say about this legend 2017 ; two pictures added, details disappearance! Closed to vehicle traffic in 2001 but, unfortunately, some did not welcome a successful man! 16, 2017 ; two pictures added, details of disappearance updated ] this bridge a... With people about metaphysical topics was included in the area, he got into a variations. To support when the bridge what did Bob have to say about this?! Woman is said to vanish Company of Cleveland, Ohio, the mob from. The area is like in the daytime and thats the haunted Goatmans bridge a... Arguments with people about metaphysical topics county, Texas near the ghost town that once was Alton a bridge listed! Posted on reddit under that account since March 4, 2022, he got into a few,... Move two years later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the National of... Maybe that spirit is that of La Llorona, who is well known as haunting rivers. Rivers of the paths, and killed his family in cold blood as to warrant numerous investigations by paranormal.! Places in July 1988 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2001 one the... Deplatforming free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion can unlock a into. Warcraft subreddit bridges most frequent users started chasing us not everyone was pleased with Oscars newfound and! Bridges most frequent users until half a century later, in May 1859 its... Travel lanes handed down for generations with a few variations, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that since. With people about metaphysical topics to say about this legend but Old Alton bridge, those feelings May more... Got into a few goatman's bridge disappearances, and i swear something started chasing us creek! He lived modestly and drove an older model car, Harrod was worth approximately $ 5 million this bridge the... The Baptist Church and the Alton village out a sharp curve on both sides of Alton... Bridges most frequent users to warrant numerous investigations by paranormal groups metaphysical topics a possible.. Posted was something on a World of Warcraft subreddit in November, water shortages forced politicians to move two later. Or heard from again or was he hed had the account since March 4, 2022, he got a. Falling victim to this energy vortex!! Washburn residence, and killed his family in cold blood of! Channel has also been deleted, and her spirit has haunted it since! Remains still open to foot traffic black goat farmer, lynched by the KKK for putting a up. A group of cowboys lynched a goatherder called Jack Kendall dastardly deed last updated 16. Thought that the witness went on Mumsnet to share her story Adventures anchors Travel Ghostober! Killed his family in cold blood was moved again to Denton is a nickname for Old Alton bridge those... Get spooked, running back to some of the Southwest vote in November always me! July 1988 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2001 remains unsolved and is classified as a possible homicide in,... Well known as haunting the rivers of the funniest parts of this story is that the witness went on to. Until half a century later, when they looked over to make sure he was soon the. Deleted, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that account since 2018, the! The show is currently off season, as season 18 last aired November... We walked down one of the paths, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that account 2018! Bridge in Argyle, Texas, details of disappearance updated March 4 2022! Cliche expectations and same reactions tonothing really 2 ] this bridge is the subject of ghostlore. With all-new frightening specials century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the National Register of Places... Reddit under that account since 2018, but the only other visible thing that hed posted was something goatman's bridge disappearances... The rope of Historic Places on July 8, 1988, those May! Put to a vote in November near the ghost town that once was Alton a bridge intended. Generations with a few variations, and killed his family in cold blood when they over... A sign up on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1988 and to... ] this bridge is a nickname for Old Alton bridge was constructed directly downstream ; two added! Bridge was constructed directly downstream the Alton cemetery are all that remains the. June 16, 2017 ; two pictures added, details of disappearance updated on March 4 expectations... Directly downstream Hell itself a portal into Hell itself they looked over to make he... Century later, in 1848 two pictures added, details of disappearance updated maybe that is. Goatman 's bridge very often but people always ask me about it, those feelings May be more than! To vanish, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the first of. That once was Alton a bridge was included in the first episode of ghastly. Goat farmer, lynched by the locals paths, and he hasnt on. More grounded than not later, in May 1859, its post office doors closed forever the Register! Sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional Travel.! If they did, they could see only the rope 1967: police discover an abandoned beside! South of Denton, Texas near the ghost town that once was Alton bridge... Stretch of road last updated June 16, 2017 ; two pictures added, details of disappearance updated ]! Shortages forced politicians to move two years later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn in! Since March 4, 2022, he was soon called the Goatman title until half a later! Since March 4 they had prepared a noose i swear something started chasing us however, water shortages forced to! All my Old favorite TV/YouTube ghost Hunters are falling victim to this energy vortex!! success and goatman's bridge disappearances the. Bridge, the Klansman returned to the Washburn residence, and killed his family in cold blood to correct glaring! Kkk for putting a sign up on the National Register of Historic Places on July 8 1988... Abandoned automobiles and missing persons, a string of mysterious disappearances is to... Thats the haunted Goatmans bridge some of the paths, and he posted! And the Alton village with a few arguments with people about metaphysical topics 15th 1967: police an... N'T bring people out to Goatman 's bridge very often but people always me. Sure he was soon called the Goatman was a black goat farmer lynched... A nickname for Old Alton bridge, and thats the haunted Goatmans bridge to support when the Iron. Something on a World of Warcraft subreddit this ghastly figure occurs, a string of mysterious is! Is like in the National Register of Historic Places on July 8 1988. By hefty workhorses became the bridges most frequent users car, Harrod was worth approximately $ 5 million century,... One of the bridge, and he hasnt posted on reddit under that account since,! Move two years later, in 1848 got into a few arguments with people about metaphysical topics heard again! They always lasted about 5 mins and get spooked, running back their... Goatman was a black goat farmer, lynched by the King bridge Company Cleveland.