The Headless Horseman: A Connecticut Ghost Story You Need to Know

You've probably heard of the Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow, NY, but did you know that Connecticut has its own lonely and terrifying rider? The tale of the Headless Horseman of Canton is not as well-known as the New York horseman, but it’s just as chilling.

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According to local legends, the ghost rider haunts the backroads of Canton, CT riding with a burning desire to complete a mission from long ago — even though his head is nowhere to be found.

The legend of Canton’s Headless Horseman dates back to the 18th century and involves a French soldier carrying important military payroll to Saratoga during the American Revolution. It's said this soldier stopped for the night at the Horsford Inn in Canton, but his journey was interrupted. He was never seen leaving the inn, and it wasn’t until the inn later burned down that the mystery truly unfolded.

Hidden in the ruins of the Inn, a headless skeleton was found, assumed to be the missing Frenchman. Since then, sightings of a headless figure galloping through the night have haunted travelers in Canton.

Despite the connections to Sleepy Hollow, the Canton legend is unique. It has it's roots in real places, like the infamous Horsford Inn, which once stood on the Hartford-Albany Post Road.

The Headless Horseman: A Connecticut Ghost Story You Need to Know

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

I must say "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" is one of the greatest cartoons ever shared on film. Sure, it was made in 1949, but it holds up if you're into stories about dudes with no heads. If you don't know, now you know.

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Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Want more CT news and entertainment? Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple & Spotify.

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