Elusive, yet opposing. The Headless Horseman is the life-blood of Sleepy Hollow. The legend tells of a young Hessian soldier hired into forced military action to fight for the British in the Revolutionary war. It was said that he lost his head to a cannon ball while trying to protect a patriot-widow from an unethical British ambush.

He was exonerated by his burial in the cemetery of fallen hero’s at the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow – an act mounted by the villagers in honor of his sacrifice. Since that time, it has been reported that his restless spirit has been seen throughout the valley – both as protector and demon to those within the Hollow.