Before the bridge became a magnet for ghost hunters, it was simply known as Old Alton Bridge. Another variation of the legend holds that Goatman himself was an old hermit who lived in the woods and often could be seen walking alone at night along Fletchertown Road. Reporting Graffiti. Shane absolutely ripping the titular demon in "The Demonic Goatman's Bridge" and actively challenging the Goatman to kill him, to no result. [1][2], Goatman stories originated in the early 1970s but some of its legends are set in the 50s, within Prince George's County, following the disappearances and/or deaths of multiple dogs, which were later attributed to the creature. This became a running joke among fans, who edited the Wikipedia to say Shane Madejs Bridge instead of Goatmans Bridge so often that it had to be protected from editing. I researched a lot of local history since I'm a history major, and the claims of a guy being hung from that bridge have never showed up in any kind of newspaper or spoken history until the myth began. Except where otherwise noted, this content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. [4], According to University of Maryland folklorist Barry Pearson, the Goatman legend began "long, long, long" ago and were further popularized in 1971 when the death of a dog was blamed on Goatman by local residents. Alton was later abandoned after its county seat was moved to the neighboring town of Denton at the end of the 1850s. The main highway bypasses it now, but the 135-year-old structure is still visible from the main road. Access our resource directory for useful phone numbers related to code enforcement in the City of . It has been reported that whenever a traveler would cross the bridge at night with their headlights off, they would meet the Goatman on the other side. Treat has written about numerous local places and personalities at his Denton Haunts blog, 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. In the Goatman episode, Ryan and Shane begin to search the surrounding forest of Goatman's bridge where legend has it, there has been cult activity and sacrifices. Governor's Bridge is a single-lane bridge with great historical significance. 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. No, this bridge is home to a demon known as the Goatman.. Back in The Day is an ongoing WDDI contribution from Shaun Treat, founder of the Denton Haunts historical ghost tour. Over the decades there have been numerous alleged sightings of a ghost-like apparition with a goat head haunting the area. In Parr Park, thousands of painted rocks line this walking trail. Goatmans Bridge is a popular haunted location for people in the area. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. No purchase necessary. A few years later, Washburn, having become known as a dependable and honest businessman and dubbed the "Goatman" by locals, displayed a sign on Alton Bridge reading "This way to the Goatman". Today the bridge is only used for foot traffic, since a replacement bridge was constructed nearby. [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. She is the Fine Arts Editor for the Timber Creek Talon and the Copy Editor for the Art and Literature Magazine. The Demon at Goatman's Bridge With fiery glowing red eyes, the Goatman stands on guard at the Old Alton Bridge. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You hear that? Kat McDonald-Wilson is a senior at TCHS. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. In the Pennhurst Asylum episode, Ryan actually manages to have a conversation through the spirit box. Details File Size: 2898KB Duration: 3.000 sec Dimensions: 498x284 Created: 5/9/2020, 3:43:13 AM 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. Many believe a demonic entity with the head of a goat haunts the bridge. The bridge got its nickname from a popular local ghost story. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. But the town failed to grow and in 1850, the county seat was moved about five miles southwest of present day Corinth, taking the name and the people with it, however the bridge remained. You wont find the names of Oscar Washburn or Jack Kendall in any historical records. If youre brave, you can drive up to the bridge and honk your car horn twice at midnight. Thus, it earned the nickname Goatman's Bridge. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available from thestaff@tvtropes.org. For more information, please see our The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes. Naturally, none of the ghost stories surrounding the bridge are based on any specific historical facts. Goatmans Bridge is the common nickname for whats formally called Old Alton Bridge, an iron-truss span that once connected Denton, Texas, to Copper Canyon. Hence, the structure was named Old Alton Bridge since it was built near the old settlement. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. 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. Every few years, someone claims to have caught an image of Goatman wandering around the side of the road or in the woods. What is it about bridges that is so spooky? [1] [2] They fitted a noose around his neck and pushed him over the side of the bridge, but when they looked over to make sure he was dead, all they could see was an empty noose. In this version, an experiment on goats backfires and the scientist mutates into a half man, half goat creature who begins aggressively attacking cars in the vicinity of Beltsville, Maryland. SHANE'S Bridge. _benhurlburt_/InstagramThe Old Alton Bridge is allegedly haunted by a half-goat demon, which has earned it the nickname Goatmans Bridge.. One of the most famous local ghost stories though, and one of the more terrifying, is the legend of Goatman's Bridge. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. Some attribute the work of Satanists who opened a portal for a hellspawn demon, while others say the Goatmans wife is eternally searching for her murdered children. 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. crafty.girls.life/InstagramAt least one witness claims that their friend was pulled off the bridge by an unknown entity. ghosthunter_girls/InstagramThe bridge was originally named after the old Texas village of Alton which shuttered in the 1850s. This is Shane's summary of taking an improv class right when he arrived because he wanted to meet people, but it'sprobably safe to say he didn't make too many connections there. The City also requests that you contact the Tustin Police Department's Non-Emergency number at 714-573-3225 to report graffiti, in addition to contacting the City's Graffiti Removal Hotline. Rumor has it that the Old Alton Bridge is haunted by a half-goat demon with glowing red eyes and a loud snarl. The series that they started on YouTube gave . legendary ghost stories. Shane says it like it's normal and says that friends murdering each other is just the way of the world. Unique Goatmans Bridge Posters designed and sold by artists. Shane lying on a pentagram, asking a ghoul or demon to kill him, and screaming rock and roll, Buckaroo sums up his typical demeanor on the show. Though it is called the "Old Alton Bridge" the community of Alton had already dispersed by 1884. 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. 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. Love or hate the Hot Daga, the post mortem finales have fully fledged songs that Shane clearly works hard on, and he can actually sing. We saw the ad on Craigslist!" In the Goatman episode, Ryan and Shane begin to search the surrounding forest of Goatman's bridge where legend has it, there has been cult activity and sacrifices. WATCH RELATED VIDEO: Empire Zoysia Turf - QLD's Michael Hagan Shows How To Look After Your Empire Lawn. On a dark night in the late 1930s, a lynch mob of Kluxers stormed Washburns shack and dragged the screaming Goatman to their noose waiting on the bridge, tightened the rope around the begging Oscars neck, then mercilessly flung him over the side. Goatman's Bridge is the common nickname for what's formally called Old Alton Bridge, an iron-truss span that once connected Denton, Texas, to Copper Canyon. RELATED: 10 Scariest Buzzfeed UnsolvedTrue Crime Episodes. Old Alton Bridge was built to connect Denton, Texas to the town of Alton, Texas. 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. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of Alton, which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of Denton County. I can't believe I returned to the "most haunted bridge" in Texas (and possibly America) by myself, alone, at night!! All hail Shane, King of Goatman's Bridge. He was popular in the community for being an honest businessman and producing quality goods. Old Alton Bridge was included in the National Register of Historic Places on July 8, 1988. Wikimedia CommonsBecause of the alleged goat-demon that haunts it, Goatmans bridge is a popular location for thrill-seekers and photographers. This pentagram is formed by ancient Ley Lines or Solstice Lines of Energy that cover North America. According to one local police officer, nearby pet stores have stopped selling cats because there were so many cats found slaughtered in a ritualistic manner around the area. The Klansmen rode back to his home and torched it with his family still inside. You want me off this bridge you're gonna have to kill me. Director Ryan Bergara Stars Ryan Bergara Shane Madej See production, box office & company info It's simple, short, sweet, and hopefully effective instopping all serial killers. You will see the Goatmans glowing red eyes on the bridge. Goatman's Bridge is an old wood and steel structure spanning a small waterway between Denton, Texas, and neighboring town, Copper Canyon. While on the bridge, Madej goaded on the Goatman by exclaiming Goatman! The interaction sums up both of their demeanors on the show pretty well. 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. Did I capture any paranormal activity. There have even been accounts of people being attacked by the alleged half-goat demon. An English and Criminal Justice major from Indiana University she's excited to continue her writing journey! The slavers then watched in horror as the headless body raised itself from the creekbed mud, animated by voodoo, and ripped off the head of a nearby goat to replace his own, still dangling in the noose! Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. The Buzzfeed Unsolvedseries has two focuses on true crime and supernatural, and while both can certainly be terrifying, they're both also hilarious due to the two hosts Shane Madej and Ryan Bergara. Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata. Its my bridge now! and Theyre gonna put my name in graffiti! Since that fateful night, strange things began to happen on and around the bridge. The bridge is marked with the year of its completion, 1887. Looking onto the bridge from the walking trail. Find schedule and make requests by clicking here! contribution from Shaun Treat, founder of the, historical ghost tour. [2] This bridge is the subject of several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost. Just stop serial killing, people! He is the master of the bridge, possessed by a demon from another realm. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Most versions of the tale tend to include a warning that knocking three times on the trusses of the bridge runs the risk of bringing out the Goatman. See. There is also another variation that predates the bridge itself. It quickly became a meme with people connecting the quote with a crime statistics graph that shows crime plummeting after Shane says this once. This gateway went both directions, and now the most popular sighting is of a creature that resembles a half-goat, half-man. But the Hickory Creek that cuts through the land made transportation difficult, which led to the construction of a bridge by the King Iron Manufacturing Bridge Company in 1884. Witnesses have reported sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes. Washburns body ended up on the ground below the bridge after he was either thrown off by the Klansmen or his body slipped from the noose. Feeling they were robbed, the Klansmen returned to the Washburn home and killed Oscars wife and children. But when the Night Riders stumbled down to the dark rivers edge to confirm their murderous handiwork, they were shocked to find only an inexplicably empty noose dangling over undisturbed waters. Graffiti Removal Service Another story is that satanists performed rituals on the bridge,. Ryan is immediately terrified at any notion of a ghoul or demon. People always ask about it. Shane's not impressed and tells all serial killers to stop doing this, and actually, should just stop serial killing altogether. A master plumber has turned his love of art and toilets into a folk museum that's not taking the piss. The simple yet sturdy bridge allowed developers to carry horses and automobiles across the river. . This isn't the Old Alton Bridge any longer. He is the master of the bridge, possessed by a demon from another realm. According to the most circulated version, an African-American entrepreneur named Oscar Washburn and his family tended a farmstead goat herd near the bridge that was renowned for quality meat, milk, cheeses and hides. [1] Despite evidence to the contrary, stories of Goatman's existence continued to circulate, especially among local students. With vehicle traffic removed, the bridge became an important link connecting the Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll Hiking and Equestrian Trails. Now its the Goatmans Bridge. The Torture and Murder of Kelly Anne Bates, Alexandra Wiwcharuk: The Girl in Saskatoon, Practicing Cannibalism | The Scare Chamber, Alexandra Wiwcharuk: The Girl in Saskatoon | The Scare Chamber, David Parker Ray and his Toy Box of Torture, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Kristen Palamara is a reader, writer, and avid film/tv watcher from the Midwest United States. Simpson case and how a serial killer claimed he had killed them. Often the growl will be accompanied by the words, Get off my bridge!. One more thing to add to the creepy factor here, is that Goatmans Bridge is right along the lines of the Pentagram of Blood. Old Alton Bridge, AKA Goatman's Bridge, in the daylight. shane is a demon - Goatman's Bridge Sebastian Dean 5.88K subscribers Subscribe 31K Share 804K views 5 years ago the beginning of what i intend to be a series called "compiled video evidence. Now that youve learned about the scary legend of Goatmans Bridge, go inside the mystery of the Overtoun Bridge, Scotlands dog suicide hotspot. Privacy Policy | You're going to have to throw me off this bridge yourself! The bridge has become an unconventional tourist attraction due to its haunted reputation. The bridge was built in 1884, by the King Iron Manufacturing Bridge Company. 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. They're discussing Elizabeth Short moving to Los Angeles in hopes of stardom and Ryan brings up that Shane did the same move fromto L.A. with the same hopes. Natasha Ishak is a staff writer at All That's Interesting. Goatman (urban legend) Goatman was rumored to be similar in appearance to the mythical faun. Approximately 3 miles from present day Corinth, Texas, stood the small village of Alton (population 1). However, given the condition of remains, the deaths may more likely have been the result of passing trains. The two hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, tried several methods to provoke the Goatman. Locally, the bridge is known as Goatman's Bridge, as it is said to be haunted by a half-man half-goat figure called Goatman. Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge, is a historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon. Oscar was gone. Children will come here and tell tales of me!. It's one of the most iconic quotes of the series and deserves its spot at the top. The quaint area also included the Hickory Creek Baptist Church, the Alton cemetery, a saloon, and a school. 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.. Goatmans Bridge has been the subject of investigations on popular supernatural shows like Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural and Ghost Adventures. Wikimedia CommonsThe Goatmans Bridge connects the area of Denton with Copper Canyon. But when his killers went down to the water to fetch his body, it had disappeared. 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. After Washburns body disappeared, the Klansmen are alleged to have returned to his home and murdered the rest of his family. Shane Madej tends to serve up deadpan and outrageous humor as he continually taunts any possible ghouls or demons dwelling at haunted locations or teasing his co-host Ryan. As a mentor once wisely advised, never let the facts of a story obscure the truths in the tale. The woods around the bridge are also supposedly haunted. People have been touched, grabbed, and had rocks thrown at them. At least one witness claims that their friend was pulled off the bridge by an unknown entity. [.] Ryan and Shane's bridge is a so called haunted bridge. I really hope you ended up talking about scientific notation or something to appease the ancient demon that is Shane. As usual, Ryan loses his mind with terror and Shane hits him with a deadpan response when Ryan asks if there's a panic room for them to hide in. As someone who lives near Denton and has been to the goatman's bridge multiple times, that shit ain't haunted LOL. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. Most ghosts are given names because we need to feel like we can know them. There have also been reports of sacrificial rituals performed in the woods nearby, which believers of the supernatural argue is the true cause of the Goatmans appearance. Its said that the so-called Goatman can be summoned by knocking on the bridge three times. Rumor has it, the Goatman is not alone. According to Tuckers research into Dentons local lore, there was no person named Oscar Washburn living in the area around the time of his alleged murder, nor were there any reports of lynching. Johnny Blunt/Google The area around Governor Bridge is certainly creepy enough that one could envision a Goatman skulking about among the trees. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of Alton, which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of Denton County. Graffiti reading, "Goatman was here," was not uncommon,[3] and law enforcement would habitually receive calls of reported sightings, albeit with a number being pranks. However, when they rode down to the rivers edge, the noose was empty. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Shop affordable wall art to hang in dorms, bedrooms, offices, or anywhere blank walls aren't welcome. Washburn was never seen again, they say, but a vengeful spirit has haunted the Old Alton Bridge ever since. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Today, it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. They waited until the time was right to strike, and on a dark night in August, 1938, they crossed the bridge without their headlights on. Visitors swear that there is something supernatural about the bridge, and the structure has consequently been featured in a number of paranormal investigation shows including the popular series Ghost Adventures. Im dancing on your bridge. Look at the way I dance on it. Treat has written about numerous local places and personalities at his. 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. The bridge was originally named after the old Texas village of Alton which shuttered in the 1850s. . One theory is that Goatman is the spirit of a goat farmer who was lynched by the Ku Klux Klan near the Old Alton Bridge. Here are some of his best quotes. RELATED: Top 10 Buzzfeed Unsolved True Crime Episodes. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Thus, it earned the nickname Goatmans Bridge. Shane's a bit unhinged in this episode as he immediately starts screaming at the demon and dancing onits bridge. Cookie Notice Additionally numerous cars have been found near the bridge, their occupants missing without a trace. There are a few stories about how the bridge got its nickname, however the most popular one is the story of Oscar Washburn. If youve been there, or happen to go, let us know what you experience in the comments below. He threatens to take the bridge for him and Ryanif Goatmandoesn'tshow up to fight him for it. A handful of states have a Goatman tale, with Texas having a few itself, but each expresses unique reminders of threats from a forgotten past. This in and of itself is not that scary, until you add the fact that those who walked away reported their car doors locking and unlocking on their own, and or breaking down. Hidden within a spa in a Texas strip mall is a restaurant specializing in Eastern European foods.