Road trippers weary of tall heights may not enjoy crossing this bridge; Despite its nerve-wracking nature, this incredible bridge . A number of strange things have reportedly occurred on and around the bridge, according to legendsofamerica. Local researchers have looked into county death records, newspaper accounts, and census records and have found no record of a man named Oscar Washburn, or of a lynching in 1938. Ashley N. Bottoms, 34, of Carlinville was charged with manslaughter and endangering the life of a child causing death in connection with the death of Hunter Lee Drew. theYear=theYear+1900 He didnt come home that night for his normal curfew, around 8:30 p.m. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Having raised their children in Denton ISD since they moved here from Illinois more than a decade ago, Stowers said people at Denton High recognize her as Monts mother. If you don't know the sto. The Goatman isnt just a haunting campfire tale, its also a reminder that an ignorance of our history is no protection from its everlasting consequences. 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. legendary ghost stories. The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes. Amplifying their grief, the family learned that at least one person who was with Stowers-Jones when he reportedly jumped into the creek fled the scene when Stowers-Jones sunk below the surface of Hickory Creek. The Hickory Creek Baptist Church was built in 1855. Get exclusive coverage about business in Denton County in your inbox twice a month, with a focus on the housing market. Wikimedia CommonsBecause of the alleged goat-demon that haunts it, Goatmans bridge is a popular location for thrill-seekers and photographers. It was not exactly a metropolis. His living was raising and selling goats. per adult. Records show that the Old Alton Bridge was constructed with a kit fromthe King Iron Bridge and Manufacturing Company in Ohio, a major supplier of bridges throughout Texas and North America. . 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. Old Alton Bridge can be found in Denton off of Old Alton Road, near Teasley Lane. Others have claimed to hear sounds like hooves galloping on the bridge behind them and a growling voice ordering them to get off the bridge.. Signage for Old Alton bridge. The Old Alton Bridge is not only a picturesque historical location, but it is also said to be haunted by the "Goatman," giving the bridge its nickname. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Every morning, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you need to start your day. In a scheduled court. It now serves as part of a horse and hiking trail enjoyed by many as well as a popular siteresidents flock to around Halloween. "And I said, Yes. And they said, Well, you need to come identify his body at the Old Alton Bridge.. Windy this evening. Haunted or not, the century-old bridge remains a popular site, even for those who are looking to take some peaceful photographs. Old Alton Bridge Denton, Texas United States 33.1297, -97.1060 Stay up to date with all of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools. Lermon Jones says the location wasnt the only strange thing about Monts death. Eventually, they found Monts body near the bridge, and Jones couldnt believe it. The legend says that if you go to the bridge and honk your car horn twice at midnight, the ghosts fiery red eyes will appear on the bridge., Old Alton Bridge. 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. The heavily traveled Old Alton Bridge remained in constant use until 2001 when vehicle traffic was moved to an adjacent concrete-and-steel bridge. Established 1884 Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge, is a historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon. The new townsite was located on a high ridge between Pecan Creek and Hickory Creek and was called Alton. 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. from. According to DPS records, the official cause of Monts death was accidental drowning, but Jones suspects foul play, and some details of the investigation dont sit right with him. The curious come to hear the noises. This article about a bridge in Illinois is a stub. Medical authorities have determined Lermont Stowers-Jones death was an accident, documents show. November 15th 1967: police discover an abandoned car beside Old Alton Bridge, five miles south of Denton, Texas. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Lermont Stowers-Jones did not come home last Monday night, his family left with questions on the week of Thanksgiving. Nicolas Henderson/Flickr. Photo by Renegomezphotography.com CC BY-SA 3.0, Another Texas blog elaborates on the possible terrors to be experienced: 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. Whether its Washburn or Kendall haunting the bridge, lots of strange things have happened around the Alton Bridge. Hes frustrated with the response of law enforcement agencies. While we cant confirm theurban legend of theGoat Man, there is no doubt that tales of the hauntings have spread across Texas. Lermont Stowers-Jones is shown playing the keyboards in the youth choir at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. dalton.laferney@dentonrc.com, By Juan Betancourt Its east and west spans are Warren pony trusses of 70 feet each. They just gotta know.. Detail view of highway bridge, showing railroad bridge and lock and dam in background, looking northeast (upstream). It was thought that the bridge might revive Altons declining community, a place that had once served as the Denton County seat, but despite the new bridge, Alton gradually faded away. Old Alton Bridge, AKA Goatman's Bridge, in the daylight. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.[4]. This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places portal, National Register of Historic Places listings in Denton County, Texas, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks in Denton County, List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas, "National Register Information System(#88000979)", "Denton Urban Legend Put to the Test on Buzzfeed Web Series", "Old Alton Bridge - The Trails of Denton County", United States National Register of Historic Places listings, History of the National Register of Historic Places, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Old_Alton_Bridge&oldid=1128827248, Buildings and structures in Denton County, Texas, Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas, National Register of Historic Places in Denton County, Texas, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 22 December 2022, at 05:16. Stay up to date with all of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools. No explanation was ever found. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Windy and becoming cloudy during the afternoon. At least one person left the scene after Lermont Stowers-Jones sank below the surface of Hickory Creek near Old Alton Bridge on Nov. 19, an official said Tuesday . Published on : 02:32 PST, Oct 29, 2022. The historic Old Alton Bridge,which connects the towns of Denton and Copper Canyon, has a complex and haunted history. Washburn posted a sign on the bridge which read this way to the Goatmans. This action angered members of the Klan, and on a fateful night in August of 1938, they drove their cars across the bridge with their headlights off, took Washburn from his home and family, and dragged him to the bridge. agaudet@dentonrc.com, Anyone can be an artist at this new downtown Denton bar, McCarthy blasts Biden, Democrats over debt limit. , 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. That road is known by locals as "The Goatman's Bridge." What's interesting is the back story of Goatman's bridge. bcolombo@dentonrc.com, Woman dead, child in critical condition after wreck on West University, Report: Denton police arrest suspected drug distributor after finding scales, cash, drugs inside his car, Police: Fry Street bar owner arrested after being intoxicated inside his business, Trial date set for Sanger woman accused of murdering her husband, By Amber Gaudet The Denton County location is notoriously haunted by the spirit of Oscar Washburn, or "Goatman," who was believed to be a former . He Actually Saved Her. juan.betancourt@dentonrc.com. Some folks believe that Satanists have performed dark rituals on the bridge and opened a portal to another dimension. Staff Writer The last time his family saw Mont was around the same time the authorities said they received the initial 911 call Monday. Waymark Code: WMF8M2. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1988 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2001. Here at the Office of History and Culture, we wont confirm or deny any paranormal activity at the Old Alton Bridge, but we can speculate and share the bridges story with you. Denton High School student Lermont Stowers-Jones, 17, was found dead in Hickory Creek on Tuesday. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Today, it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Lermon Jones remembers his 17-year-old son Lermont Stowers-Jones, who also went by Mont, as a great kid. But this abandoned bridge just 30 minutes north of Fort Worth in the town of Denton is guaranteed to send chills up your spine while also being a beautiful day hike.Old Alton Bridge, often referred to as the "Goatman's Bridge" is said to have been haunted by a man who was gruesomely murdered there in the 1930s. Then, check out these famously haunted castles. Built in 1884, the single-lane bridge saw service . In-between the failed settlement and Denton County is an old iron bridge called "Old Alton Bridge" a bridge that would earn a twisted nickname more than a half a century later. Everything was shuttered, leaving only the church and cemetery in place. Another version of Washburns legend posits that it is actually his wife who haunts the old structure. Thank you. [3], Media related to Old Alton Bridge at Wikimedia Commons. A rash of mysterious disappearances are becoming alarmingly routine on a chilling stretch of road. of all manners. Liminal areas of crossing can be full of possibility and danger, present injustices are informed by past prejudices, and there are critters like snakes or gators down in the creek that younguns might outta be leery of. Numerous reports tell of unholy glowing eyes that burn red from the darkness, eerie glimpses of a large snarling Goat-headed man-beast stomping in the wooded shadows, or a frightening apparition of a maniacal Satyr carrying the heads of goats or humans in his hands. Email Pablo Arauz Pea atparauzpena@kera.org. A similar tale to Washburns predates the building of the bridge, in which a group of cowboys lynched a goatherder called Jack Kendall. Wikimedia CommonsThe Goatmans Bridge connects the area of Denton with Copper Canyon. Another person stayed behind and tried to help Stowers-Jones. Mont, who was Black, was found dead in Hickory Creek, near the Old Alton Bridge outside of Denton. $76.92. that have haunted our fair city over the years, but a few stand out as truly haunting. No one has been charged in connection with Monts death. At least one person who visited the bridge with a friend claimed they heard the growling voice. DALTON LAFERNEY can be reached at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @dalton laferney. Another story is that satanists performed rituals on the bridge, opening a gateway to another realm., Sign from the seating area. But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and, in August 1938, Klansmen in the local government crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. The Denton County Sheriffs Office, Texas Rangers and state game wardens have worked the case, and so far they have not indicated anybody will be criminally charged in connection with Stowers-Jones death. The Old Alton Bridges nickname, Goatmans Bridge, originated from at least two eerie local legends. Its original purpose was to carry horses and automobiles across the river. DO THE DENTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL LIKE A PRO, THE MANY FACES OF DENTON'S FINE ARTS THEATER. After the witness ran away, their friend who had remained on Goatmans Bridge appeared to be dragged to the edge and thrown into the river by an unknown entity. It was closed to car traffic and is open only to pedestrians today. JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House. Ghostly figures and strange lights are said to appear in the surrounding woods, as well as reports of visitors being touched, grabbed, and having rocks thrown at them. A keyboard player in a local church choir, the one in the family who liked to get everybody up and dancing, a teenager looking forward to college, Stowers-Jones wasnt the type to enjoy the outdoors or venture around a creek or old bridge. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. (LogOut/ Travelers to the Old Alton Bridge, built in 1884 as a busy thoroughfare, have long reported frightening encounters and ghostly experiences with supernatural creatures that have made it a legendary spot for Texas ghost hunters and a topic for numerous books. [3] Notes [ edit] They returned to his home and slaughtered his family, according to the legend. There are many Denton ghosts High 74F. Receive information from our advertisers or special DR-C offers. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Wait a minute, y'all just say yall been searching for 16 hours with drones and divers and you said His body was not in there. Dont forget him. "When can he get justice? After Washburns body disappeared, the Klansmen are alleged to have returned to his home and murdered the rest of his family. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of Alton, which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of Denton County. The Old Alton Bridge's nickname, Goatman's Bridge, originated from at least two eerie local legends. He reportedly jumped into the creek from Old Alton Bridge on Nov. 19. Years after the decline of Alton, an iron through-truss bridge was built in 1884 just south of the town site. 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. Today, the Baptist Church and the Alton cemetery are all that remains of the Alton village. When the popular businessman proudly hung a sign on the Old Alton Bridge directing This way to the Goatman, it infuriated local Ku Klux Klansmen who plotted violence. The travel site trailsofdentoncounty says, While the true history of the bridge is interesting, it has also gained a reputation as a haunted place for as long as local residents can remember, always being the spot that kids would flock to on Halloween night in hopes of capturing a glimpse of a ghost who traversed the area late at night. Join the Observer community and help support . The legend goes that Kendalls body reanimated through the power of voodoo, ripped off the head of a nearby goat, and replaced his head with the goats as the astonished cowboys watched in horror. List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River, Map of Missouri Showing State Road System, Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Project, Lock & Dam 26, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Old_Clark_Bridge&oldid=1022287330. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! Some believe that Washburns spirit returned to the scene of his murder to seek revenge on his killers and has been haunting the bridge ever since. Photo by Ron CC BY 2.0 And the Goatman. Most Denton County residents have heard the spooky tales of the Old Alton Bridge, otherwise known as Goat Mans Bridge. Legends of hauntings have swirled around the historic structure for years, and many people from both near and far have visited for themselves to see if the stories are true and to maybe catch a glimpse of the Goat Man himself. The best stories from KERA sent to your inbox. Higher wind gusts possible.. Cloudy skies. Treat has written about numerous local places and personalities at his. Every Wednesday morning, get the week's top crime stories in Denton from the Blotter in your inbox. Staff Writer It is open only to pedestrians today. Why are they here? Stowers figures they were asking. There have also been reports of inhuman screams coming from the nearby woods, or maniacal laughter sounding. The name referred to the nearby town of Alton, which once occupied the area near the Goatmans Bridge and was supposedly populated by one resident for a time. Thats just not him.. A public viewing is schedule for 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Denton. juan.betancourt@dentonrc.com. A reminder of Denton Countys transportation history, Old Alton Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, and became a Texas Historic Landmark in 2010. Why would a demonic entity haunt a rarely used country bridge in Denton, Texas? The bridge has become an unconventional tourist attraction due to its haunted reputation. Staff Writer Get the latest, most up-to-date breaking news in your inbox. But the legend shows no evidence of fading away. Staff Writer This attempt was more successful. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. A public viewing is scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. day! Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge, is a historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon. The 17-year-old, whose family called him "Mont," will be laid to rest at the end of this week. Join the discussion on our new social platform Texjas.com! Fort Worth is home to many supposedly haunted spots. As a mentor once wisely advised, never let the facts of a story obscure the truths in the tale. . Create a password that only you will remember. Federal Judge Considers Halting Dallas Anti-Panhandling Ordinance, Dallas Stars Are 'Probably Not Going to Win the Stanley Cup,' but They Just Might, North Texas Trash Bag Titan Now Seeks to Bag Sunken Treasure, Newly Unsealed Records Paint Convicted Murderer Daniel Perry as Racist, Anti-Protester. On the line was news that his sons body had been found. The site of the town shifted over and by the 1850s it boasted a number of homes, a blacksmith shop, three stores, a school, saloon, hotel, two doctors, and a few lawyers. Supposedly numerous abandoned cars that have been found near Old Alton Bridge, their owners strangely missing. Death at the Goatman's Bridge (Goatman's Bridge Series) By Chris in episode Jun 17, 2022 Death at the Goatman's Bridge (Goatman's Bridge Series) A look at one legend behind the Goatman's Bridge, the period of history that inspired it, and a suspicious recent death at the bridge. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Hill Country, and we welcome you to our family. And the Goatman. Dentons most famous spectre is a story handed down for generations with a few variations, and thats the haunted Goatmans Bridge. But in my research, I've discovered that everything may not be as it seems at the Old Alton Bridge . local news and culture, I want answers. Internet Sleuths Accused Him of Stealing a Dog. The bridge was originally named after the old Texas village of Alton which shuttered in the 1850s. We are born and bred in The Staff Writer The 17-year-old, whose family called him Mont, will be laid to rest at the end of this week while Tarrant County medical examiners search for what caused his death. The stories have grown so persistent that TV crews have showed up, including one from Buzzfeed and another from Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. We have this family whose child is dead, and they still years later do not have full transparency and answers as to why, Luther Rummel said. The 17-year-old Denton High School senior was found dead in the waters of Hickory Creek on Nov. 20. Bridge Construction It was constructed beginning in 1927, was replaced by the Clark Bridge and was demolished in 1994. Windy and becoming cloudy during the afternoon. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Return Policy, It didnt earn the Goatman title until half a century.
Lorraine Taylor, Ike Turner,
Brent Gleeson Net Worth,
Are Cosmic Brownies Halal,
Princeton Lightweight Rowing Roster,
Vernon Macklin And Brooke Bailey,
Articles O