The Legend of Goatman's Bridge

Old Alton Bridge (aka Goatman's Bridge) connects Denton and Copper Canyon, Texas. Built in 1884, it was used by horses, and later automobiles to cross Hickory Creek. It was used up until 2001, when a new concrete bridge was built. Today it is a popular place for fishing off of, and is also home to the legend of the Goatman.

The legend of Goatman's Bridge goes back to August 1938, when an African American goat farmer named Oscar Washburn was kidnapped by a group of Klansmen and hung off the bridge. Oscar committed no crimes for such an action, except that he was a successful and beloved black man, which was not looked kindly at by some groups of people at the time. From that point, local legend claimed that if you crossed the bridge without headlights, you would be met on the other side by the Goatman.

Another version of the Goatman is more literal in the sense that people claim the surrounding woods is inhabited by a demonic satyr type creature. Stories of strange figures and lights are also reported in the surrounding woods, as well as people having small rocks thrown at them, being grabbed or touched by unseen forces.

When I was in Texas, I made sure to visit the Old Alton Bridge and check out the legends for myself. The bridge is no longer used by cars, so it is not possible to test out the car headlight story. It's a quiet area, with a small parking area for those who wish to take a stroll through the peaceful woods. Yes, sounds of small rocks being thrown and twigs snapping were heard, but this could very well have been an animal. Although I visited the area during the daytime hours, I can easily see where the imagination can run with seeing strange figures in the woods. I do hope to one day go back to the area during the evening. The scariest aspect of Goatman's Bridge and the surrounding woods, is the story of an innocent man being hung simply for the color of his skin.

Have any of you been to this bridge? What are some of your favorite local legends?