Washington Irving’s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” holds a special place in mainstream American fiction and folklore. Irving managed to capture the quintessential 18th-century American experience while providing children and adults alike with a spooky local legend that has since grown to international fame (thanks in part to Walt Disney’s 1949 animated feature “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”).
Considered a “gothic story,” the legend is one of 34 essays/short stories that comprise the Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. written by Washington Irving, which were published throughout 1819 and 1820 (this series also includes his famous “Rip Van Winkle”). At the center of the legend is the haunting “headless horseman,” believed to be a Hessian soldier of the Revolutionary War who had his head torn away by a cannon ball (this region of New York was at the heart of much activity during the American Revolution). Some even believe that an unknown Hessian soldier buried in the graveyard of the Old Dutch Reformed Church (and local superstition) served as Irving’s inspiration for the headless horseman.
Although many know about the bumbling itinerant school teacher Ichabod Crane and the haunting headless horseman with a glowing pumpkin head in hand, there are many mysteries and truths within the lines of the legend. In fact, many do not realize that the town of Sleepy Hollow is a real place that you can visit today!
History
The village of Sleepy Hollow is considered part of the town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester County, New York. Originally known as North Tarrytown as early as the late 1800s, it wasn’t until 1996 that the village adopted the legendary and spooky name of “Sleepy Hollow;” however, this recent name change doesn’t take away from the history and folklore of the region!
The area along the eastern side of the Hudson River that comprises the village of Sleepy Hollow was originally settled by the Dutch in the late 1600s. Most notably, a man by the name of Frederick Philipse I purchased and settled thousands of acres in the area and constructed the beautiful Philipsburg Manor House and mill (built in 1693, the manor is still standing and open for tours). Interestingly, the Philipses were staunch Loyalists during the American Revolution and Frederick Philipse III was charged with treason in 1779 (the house and property were confiscated and sold at public auction).
To learn more about the history of the region, I recommend first visiting the Historical Society of Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow (One Grove Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591). They do a fantastic job at preserving the history and legacy of the towns and is a must see for exhibits and information.
Interesting Facts
- A 1798 outbreak of yellow fever in Manhattan forced Irving to stay with friends in Tarrytown, NY- this is when he first learned about Sleepy Hollow and the local Dutch customs & folklore
- Irving lived abroad in Europe for 17 years (1815 – 1832) and served as Ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846
- The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (which includes the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle”) were written in London, England
- Irving completed a five-volume biography on George Washington just prior to his death at the age of 76 in Tarrytown, NY
Our Visit & Recommendations
Old Dutch Reformed Church & The Headless Horseman Bridge
One of our first stops was to visit the quaint and charming Old Dutch Reformed Church. Between 1697-1699, construction of the iconic Old Dutch Church was completed (it was designed and funded by none other than Frederick Philipse I). The quintessential New England church served the local community for centuries and takes a central role in the “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (the “church” is mentioned 19 times throughout the story).
The graveyard of the Old Dutch Church (not to be confused with the nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery) holds the remains of many early Dutch settlers and even those of Frederick Philipse I. Additionally, numerous Revolutionary War Patriots are buried in the church’s cemetery- adding to its historical importance. Wandering amidst the aged trees and tombstones, one can admire the colonial angels, “death’s head” and other period etchings that grace the gravestones.
Nearby the church is a sign that marks the location of a former bridge that spanned the stream, made famous in Irving’s legend. Known as the “Headless Horseman Bridge,” there is nothing original or spooky about the stone and pavement road that spans the spot today, but it is cool to visit.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Nearby the Old Dutch Reformed Church is the aptly named Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Established in 1849, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (not to be confused with the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, MA) is the final resting place for a myriad of well-known people and family names. Washington Irving, who lived in the area, was a major proponent of creating the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (he even proposed the name- which was initially called Tarrytown Cemetery, but changed to Sleepy Hollow six years after his death).
Members of American royalty and business tycoons from the 19th and 20th centuries are buried there, including: members of the Astor and Helmsley families, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler, and William Rockefeller. Other notables in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery include three of Alexander Hamilton’s children, Samuel Gompers, and of course, the legendary author himself, Washington Irving.
Washington Irving’s gravesite is extremely popular (usually best seen through a cemetery walking tour). Over the years, visitors have allegedly chipped off portions of his gravestone to the point that it has been replaced twice!
Remembering the Past
To really invoke the spirit of Irving, visit his beautiful and beloved home known as “Sunnyside” (we did not get a chance to tour his historic home during this visit, but certainly will next time!). Sunnyside offers a charming experience that celebrates the life and times of Irving and it has excellent reviews by visitors (of note, it does close during the winter season).
Walking about the ancient grounds of the Old Dutch Reformed Church and the famous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, one can feel a whimsical, yet ghoulish, vibe. Despite many changes over the years, there are corners of Sleepy Hollow that emanate Washington Irving and his legend.
Whether you are visiting to honor the life of one of America’s most beloved authors or to experience the mysterious energy of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October (there are endless autumn events that really bring the legend to life), the charming town of Sleepy Hollow is well worth a visit.
Thank you for the kind words and for the correction! I will make the change in my post.