The Tale Of The Headless Woman Of Burnt Bridge Just Might Be Mississippi's Creepiest Urban Legend
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 09, 2019
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Whether it’s actually Halloween – or any other time of the year – it’s always perfect timing to look into one of the state’s creepiest urban legends: the Headless Woman of Burnt Bridge. There are several stories regarding the legend’s origin, each as eerie as the next. Take a look:
Located in Purvis, Burnt Bridge Road looks like your typical road, but looks can be deceiving. According to local lore, a portion of the road is haunted by a phantom woman in white.
Like most urban legends, the origin the Headless Woman of Burnt Bridge is unknown. There are several stories behind the road’s ghostly inhabitant – most of which involve an old bridge that’s since been replaced.
The most common story tells of a couple, driving home after prom on a dark, stormy night. The young couple’s car crashed on the bridge, decapitating the female passenger and causing the bridge to go up in flames.
According to local legend, the phantom prom-goer can still be seen travelling along Burnt Bridge Road, perhaps searching for her date…or her head. And if you drive through the area on a dark and stormy night, it’s said that the headless ghost will jump onto the roof of your car to catch a ride.
Another story involves a woman being killed on the bridge – but this time, the woman was a witch, not a high school student. In this version, the bridge burned down after the witch’s death, leaving many to believe it was an act of God.
Still, others believe there’s a much more logical explanation regarding the woman’s origin. During either WWI or WWII (depending on who you ask), a local, who was dodging the draft, hid out in the swamps of Black Creek, which is near the bridge.
Once night fell, his wife would bring him supplies. During these deliveries, she wore a black shawl over her head, giving the illusion of a headless woman.
The legends surrounding the area don’t end with the Headless Woman of Burnt Bridge, though. The area is also said to be haunted by a beautiful woman with deer hooves instead of feet. After using her beauty to lure men into the nearby woods, she uses her hooves to trample her victims to death.
Another story warns visitors not to stop near the location of the original bridge – because if you do, your car will stall and be surrounded by a thick fog. But the eerie factor doesn’t end there
So, have you heard about the Headless Woman of Burnt Bridge? Had your own spooky experience on the bridge? Know of another creepy roadway? Tell us in the comments section.
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