Goatman's Bridge (Photo found on Goatmansbridge.com)
Old Alton Bridge is a historic iron through-truss bridge connecting the cities of Denton, Texas and Copper Canyon, Texas. It was built in 1884 by the King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company, and originally carried horses and later automobiles over Hickory Creek. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of Alton, which between 1850-1856 was the seat of Denton County. It remained in constant use until 2001 when vehicle traffic was moved to an adjacent concrete-and-steel bridge. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single lane span. Today it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers... And fans of the Goatman.
The bridge is known locally as "Goatman's Bridge", due to a legendary demonic satyr of the same name, who is popularly believed to inhabit the forest surrounding the area. An alternative legend tells of a black goat farmer, Oscar Washburn, who moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. A few years later, he became known as a dependable, honest businessman and North Texans endearingly began to call him the Goatman. But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and Klansmen in the local government turned to violence after he displayed a sign on Alton Bridge: "this way to the Goatman's". In August 1938 Klansmen crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.
Locals warn that if you crossed the bridge at night without headlights, you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. Ghostly figures and strange lights are also reported in the surrounding woods. This legend results in the area around Old Alton Bridge being popular with paranormal societies and Halloween activities.
... TV shows like "Destination Truth" and "Monster Quest" should totally hire me. Just saying.
The bridge is known locally as "Goatman's Bridge", due to a legendary demonic satyr of the same name, who is popularly believed to inhabit the forest surrounding the area. An alternative legend tells of a black goat farmer, Oscar Washburn, who moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. A few years later, he became known as a dependable, honest businessman and North Texans endearingly began to call him the Goatman. But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and Klansmen in the local government turned to violence after he displayed a sign on Alton Bridge: "this way to the Goatman's". In August 1938 Klansmen crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.
Locals warn that if you crossed the bridge at night without headlights, you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. Ghostly figures and strange lights are also reported in the surrounding woods. This legend results in the area around Old Alton Bridge being popular with paranormal societies and Halloween activities.
... TV shows like "Destination Truth" and "Monster Quest" should totally hire me. Just saying.
~Ally
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