The Legend of the “Headless Horseman”

Everyone knows the famous version of the Headless Horseman which comes from Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Culpeper, Virginia has a similar local tale. Home to several Civil War battlefield this story tells of a Confederate soldier, who had been decapitated by a Union cannon ball during the Battle of Brandy Station. It is said that he roams the countryside and battlefield looking for his head. This particular ghostly figure is said to be seen riding his horse through the woods late at night, his head held high on the end of his sword. The sighting of a mysterious rider without a head still strikes fear into those who dare to travel the area at night. Others claim that he was a local messenger or scout beheaded by enemy soldiers, his body left to rot while his restless spirit continued searching for his missing head.
*It's important to note that this story is part of local folklore and is not supported by historical evidence.