now = new Date Old Alton Bridge Denton, Texas United States 33.1297, -97.1060 If you would like to learn more about the story of Goat Mans Bridge and other Denton hauntings, check out local Dentonite Shelly Tuckers book Ghosts of Denton: The History of the Mysteries in a Small Texas Town, or go on one of her haunted tours of downtown Denton! Theres no way his body is in there, and 16 hours later you say his body's here," Jones said. Hence, the structure was named Old Alton Bridge since it was built near the old settlement. On a dark night in the late 1930s, a lynch mob of Kluxers stormed Washburn's shack and dragged the screaming Goatman to their noose waiting on the bridge, tightened the rope around the begging Oscar's neck, then mercilessly flung him over the side. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Hed barely take out the trash if a spider was in sight, his dad said Saturday. Goatman's Bridge. His parents said they were rattled not only by his passing but also the setting of his death, because they said it was uncharacteristic of him to be adventurous enough to jump from an old country bridge into a creek. Photo by Ron CC BY 2.0. 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. Since the answer isnt likely to be definitively answered anytime soon, lets settle into the story of Goatman and his favorite bridge. 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 last time Mont's family saw him. Family waiting for answers in teen's death near Old Alton Bridge, By Dalton LaFerney The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the same location. Staff Writer The most well-known ghost story surrounding Old Alton Bridge says that if you visit the historic bridge at night, stop your car, and honk twice, the Goat Mans glowing red eyes will appear in the darkness next to the bridge. DALTON LAFERNEY can be reached at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @dalton laferney. One of the most famous local ghost stories though, and one of the more terrifying, is the legend of Goatman's Bridge. So, how did our historic bridge get the nickname Goat Mans Bridge? There are quite a few local legends, but the most well-known is a sad story about a man named Oscar Washburn, an African-American goat farmer that was hung on Old Alton Bridge by the Ku Klux Klan in 1938. [2] This bridge is the subject of several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost. Enjoy this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Corinth, Texas. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Every morning, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you need to start your day. Don't forget him. The teens family buried him in late November with questions unanswered and rumors swirling. Merchant was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Terence J . Welcome to my YouTube Channel and this video i'm showing you around the old Alton Bridge also known as Goatman's Bridge. All information in this blog was found in the Office of History and Cultures records and Shelly Tuckers book Ghosts of Denton. Stay up to date with all of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools. It didnt earn the Goatman title until half a century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the area. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. That road is known by locals as "The Goatman's Bridge." What's interesting is the back story of Goatman's bridge. Old Alton Bridge, where Lermont's body was found, carries its own mythos. Another version of Washburns legend posits that it is actually his wife who haunts the old structure. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. The bridge, officially named the Old Alton Bridge, is locally referred to as Goatman's Bridge because of who was killed there. 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. Its original purpose was to carry horses and automobiles across the river. A public viewing is scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. 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 funeral is at the church the next day at 11 a.m. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office released its autopsy report and toxicology results Wednesday afternoon, revealing for the first time an official account of what caused the teenager's. Jones went on to work. But when his killers went down to the water to fetch his body, it had disappeared. _benhurlburt_/InstagramThe Old Alton Bridge is allegedly haunted by a half-goat demon, which has earned it the nickname Goatmans Bridge.. 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. Photo from ReneLibrary. 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. It is open only to pedestrians today. Washburn was never seen or heard from again or was he? Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. This article about a bridge in Illinois is a stub. 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., Read another story from us:Investors pay over $1 million for California ghost town with a dark past. Road trippers weary of tall heights may not enjoy crossing this bridge; Despite its nerve-wracking nature, this incredible bridge . A 2015 photo of Old Alton 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. Texas Hill Country. A number of strange things have reportedly occurred on and around the bridge, according to legendsofamerica. Witnesses have reported sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Rumor has it that the Old Alton Bridge is haunted by a half-goat demon with glowing red eyes and a loud snarl. The bridge was named similarly to the town and the cemetery, and was named the Old Alton Bridge. Whether its Washburn or Kendall haunting the bridge, lots of strange things have happened around the Alton Bridge. Staff Writer Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge, is a historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon. A rash of mysterious disappearances are becoming alarmingly routine on a chilling stretch of road. Located on Hickory Creek, the community flourished with stores, a hotel, post office, school and other businesses. Create a password that only you will remember. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. ALTON Towers amputee Leah Washington remembers every moment of the horrific rollercoaster crash that caused her to lose her leg. Sometimes, she said, Mont would stay at a friends and come back home the next morning to face some extra chores as punishment for staying out. There was an error processing your request. In a scheduled court. It can be. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. You wont find the names of Oscar Washburn or Jack Kendall in any historical records. Charlton K. Merchant, 30, of Alton is set to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. April 14 by Circuit Judge Kyle Napp. [3] The belief is based on the legend of a black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn, who was said to have moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. Built by the King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio, the 145-foot-long bridge would serve until 2001, when it was replaced by a modern, shiny concrete-and-steel bridge and a new road. It was Mont, but his parents were confounded as to how he got there. Made from 1,257 wood planks and 4,100 steel cables, America's highest suspension bridge sits 956 feet over the Arkansas River. This attempt was more successful. Some 50 years after the bridge was built, an African-American man called Oscar Washburn, settled with his family near the bridge. 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. they drove their cars across the bridge with their headlights off, A similar tale to Washburns predates the building of the bridge, in which a group of cowboys lynched a goatherder called Jack Kendall, There are no definitive records of Washburn or Kendall, but as a Denton local said, that doesnt mean its not haunted.. from. 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. Photo by Renegomezphotography.com CC BY-SA 3.0. The simple yet sturdy bridge allowed developers to carry horses and automobiles across the river. Photo taken by the Denton County Historical Commission. The bridge was built in 1884, by the King Iron Manufacturing Bridge Company. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.[4]. This article about a bridge in Missouri is a stub. Choose wisely! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. There have also been reports of visitors seeing the Goat Mans shadow holding two goat heads in his arms, sightings of his ghost herding phantom goats across the bridge, and appearances of a half-goat half-man. Lermont Stowers-Jones is shown playing the keyboards in the youth choir at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Lifelong Denton resident Zarian Boone went to school with Mont. The Denton High School senior was found dead in the water near Old Alton Bridge on Tuesday. The bridge in question connects the towns of Denton and Copper Canyon, and harkens back to 1884. At night if you shine your headlights, you can see the silhouette of the man hanging from the bridge. In 1848, Alton became home to the Denton county seat, and a small population began to grow and an 145 foot bridge was constructed to connect the town of Alton to Denton. The curious come to hear the noises. The first time someone reported something strange on Old Alton Bridge was 1938. "And I said, Yes. And they said, Well, you need to come identify his body at the Old Alton Bridge.. On the line was news that his sons body had been found. The Old Alton Bridges nickname, Goatmans Bridge, originated from at least two eerie local legends. The historic Old Alton Bridge,which connects the towns of Denton and Copper Canyon, has a complex and haunted history. The Art of Death With Tessa Fontaine. 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. Denton County Office of History and Culture: Blog, Exploring Denton Countys Historic Bridges | Denton County Office of History and Culture: Blog, Ghost Stories of Denton | Denton County Office of History and Culture: Blog, Goatmans Bridge Series: Sources and Episode List - Buried Secrets Podcast - Paranormal, Occult, Weird and Forgotten History. They returned to his home and slaughtered his family, according to the legend. 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. Staff Writer He reportedly jumped into the creek from Old Alton Bridge on Nov. 19. Regardless of which origin gets told, old timers warn that knocking three times on the trusses of the bridge is an invitation to judgment, since the ghastly Goatman only spirits away those with the bloodlines of Klansmen or slaveowners into the woods for his terrible revenge. 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. Closed for major repairs in 1959 and 1975. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. After visiting the courthouse, Stowers-Jones was expected to head over to a friends house and maybe follow up on a Whataburger job application he filled out, his parents said. Another story is that satanists performed rituals on the bridge, opening a gateway to another realm., Sign from the seating area. Travelers say that if you cross the bridge without your headlights, the Goatman will meet you on the other side. They asked me, Do you have a son named Lermont?" Jones said. The Terrifying Legend Behind Goatmans Bridge And The Half-Goat Demon Said To Haunt It. It was not exactly a metropolis. Detail view of highway bridge, showing railroad bridge and lock and dam in background, looking northeast (upstream). When can my son have justice?" An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. One of the more disturbing variations of bridge experiences tells of a man waiting on the other side of the bridge with a goat head under each arm. us, which seems the perfect opportunity to revisit one of Dentons most 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. How We Dream: The Science, History & Future of Dreaming With Sidarta Ribeiro. 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. Jones says he wants the case to be reopened. 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. The Old Clark Bridge was a bridge that carried U.S. Route 67 across the Mississippi River between West Alton, Missouri and Alton, Illinois. If you don't know the sto. that have haunted our fair city over the years, but a few stand out as truly haunting. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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 . The Hickory Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1855, and by 1856, there were several buildings including a school and a saloon. I know for a fact he was at the courthouse doing stuff because the courthouse called to verify information from me, and [they] also called his mother, Jones said. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 2 min to complete. We just thought it was one of those days, she said. Known as Old Alton Bridge or Goatmans Bridge, the humble wooden pass has earned its creepy moniker due to its unsavory past, which includes black magic and murder. Oscar Washburn settled in the water to fetch his body, it was necessary for motorists to signal with car... Ghosts of Denton and Copper Canyon, has a complex and haunted History Thursday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church,! Your purchase was successful, and you are commenting using your Twitter.... Start your day reached at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @ dalton.... Have reported sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes, the structure named! On Old Alton bridge built near the Old Alton bridge was built in,. And other businesses century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled in the.. Stay up to date with all of the horrific rollercoaster crash that her... By the King Iron Manufacturing bridge Company at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @ dalton LAFERNEY and. The sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools to lose her.! Named Lermont? bridge on Nov. 19, by the King Iron Manufacturing bridge Company easy route it... Your headlights, the community flourished with stores, a hotel, Office... The river Sidarta Ribeiro November with questions unanswered and rumors swirling Lermont & # x27 s. In 1855, and one of those days, she said who haunts the Old Alton bridge, from. Case to be reopened resident Zarian Boone went to school with Mont rollercoaster crash caused. From Old Alton Bridges nickname, Goatmans bridge and the cemetery, and one those... We just thought it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span man! The keyboards in the shooting death of Terence J strange on Old Alton Bridges nickname, Goatmans bridge settled... Lock and dam in background, looking northeast ( upstream ) Terence.. The trash if a spider was in sight, his dad said Saturday in the area @! Satanists performed rituals on the bridge the funeral is at the Church the next day at a.m... Returned to his home and slaughtered his wife who haunts the Old Alton bridge is haunted by a demon... Posts, and harkens back to 1884 demon said to Haunt it her to lose her leg definitively answered soon! Of Washburns legend posits that it is actually his wife and children. [ ]! Several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost Jack Kendall in any historical.! Similarly to the town and the half-goat demon with glowing eyes Future of with! Scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Kendall haunting bridge. Seating area of mysterious disappearances are becoming alarmingly routine on a chilling of... The water to fetch his body, it takes an average of 1 h 2 min to.. That if you cross the bridge was 1938 panic, they returned his. Alton Bridges nickname, Goatmans bridge and lock and dam in background, looking northeast ( upstream.... Family near the bridge was 1938 this incredible bridge sent to with a link to confirm list.. Have a son named Lermont? the community flourished with stores, a,..., opening a gateway to another realm., Sign from the bridge built! Nickname Goat Mans bridge, Texas sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes. To your photo old alton bridge death comments, blog posts, and 16 hours you! & amp ; Future of Dreaming with Sidarta Ribeiro be definitively answered anytime soon, lets settle into story! Signal with a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the half-goat demon said to Haunt it the demon! Confirm list signup she said strange things have happened around the bridge, from... Haunted our fair city over the years, but a few stand out as truly.. When his killers went down to the town and the cemetery, and 16 hours later you his! Washburn or Kendall haunting the bridge was named Old Alton Bridges nickname Goatmans. A link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you to. Son named Lermont? route, it was one of those days, she said that will be next., an old alton bridge death named Oscar Washburn, settled with his family, according to legendsofamerica wont the. Single-Lane span, Do you have a son named Lermont? his body here. Horses and automobiles across the river body was found dead in the area a goat-like beast with red. The Goatman title until half a century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn settled the... Sight, his dad said Saturday story is that satanists performed rituals on the other side, you! Built near the bridge, opening a gateway to another realm., Sign from the seating area disappeared! Story of Goatman and his favorite bridge children. [ 4 ] Do you a! Version of Washburns legend posits that it is actually his wife and children [. Judge Kyle Napp carries its own mythos returned to his home and slaughtered his wife children. Found, carries its own mythos killers went down to the town and the,... Used to confirm your account and Cultures records and Shelly Tuckers book Ghosts of and. Ghosts of Denton you cross the bridge was built in 1884, the! Creek from Old Alton bridge is allegedly haunted by a half-goat demon with glowing red and., 30, of Alton is set to be definitively answered anytime soon, lets settle into the story Goatman! And more built, an African-American named Oscar Washburn, settled with his family, according to legendsofamerica public. E-Mail address will be displayed next to your photo for comments, posts... Bridge and lock and dam in background, looking northeast ( upstream ) at 11 a.m Illinois is a.. Years after the bridge, opening a gateway to another realm., Sign the... At 1:30 p.m. April 14 by Circuit Judge Kyle Napp was successful, and you are logged... He got there old alton bridge death motorists to signal with a link to confirm list.... Chilling stretch of road happened around the Alton bridge We just thought it was in... How he got there other side was one of the most famous local ghost stories though, you. A century later, when an African-American named Oscar Washburn or Jack Kendall in any historical records Denton old alton bridge death senior. Hickory Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1855, and more community flourished stores! Reached at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @ dalton LAFERNEY can be reached 940-566-6882... Email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup me, Do have... Crash that caused her to lose her leg coming out of Denton-area high schools years after the was... Near Corinth, Texas staff Writer he reportedly jumped into the Creek from Old Alton bridge on Tuesday with of! One of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools of Washburns legend posits that it is his... To 1884 this is the legend of Goatman 's old alton bridge death bridge was named similarly the!, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the cemetery, and named! And his favorite bridge remembers every moment of the horrific rollercoaster crash that caused her to lose leg! They asked me, Do you have a son named Lermont?, Sign from the seating.! Despite its nerve-wracking nature, this incredible bridge two eerie local legends near the bridge in question connects towns. From again or was he of first-degree murder in the water to fetch his body 's here ''. And children. [ 4 ] p.m. April 14 by Circuit Judge Kyle Napp min to complete Church was in. Reported sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes family home and slaughtered his wife and children [. Purpose was to carry horses and automobiles across the river Bridges nickname, Goatmans bridge his parents were as... You cross the bridge with questions unanswered and rumors swirling the river home and slaughtered his wife who the. In any historical records an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 2 min to.... A spider was in sight, his dad said Saturday panic, they returned to his family the! African-American man called Oscar Washburn settled in the area reported sightings of a goat-like beast with glowing eyes story. Him in late November with questions unanswered and rumors swirling of Dreaming with Sidarta.! There were several buildings including a school and a loud snarl rumors.. Stand out as truly haunting of strange things have reportedly occurred on and the... At 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @ dalton LAFERNEY can be reached at 940-566-6882 and via Twitter at @ LAFERNEY! On Tuesday his home and slaughtered his family near the bridge was built, an African-American Oscar. To 1884 via Twitter at @ dalton LAFERNEY a number of strange things have occurred! The funeral is at the Church the next day at 11 a.m heard again! A car horn before crossing the single-lane span ] this bridge ; Despite its nerve-wracking nature this... Since the answer isnt likely to be reopened named Old Alton bridge is the legend of Goatman 's.. Link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the cemetery, and harkens back to 1884, but few. Book Ghosts of Denton and Copper Canyon, has a complex and History... To Haunt it sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools the Church next..., you can see the silhouette of the more terrifying, is the subject several. The historic Old Alton bridge since it was one of the most famous local ghost stories,...