Daddy's Christmas Angel

Friday, October 29, 2010

A Ghostly Halloween Experience

Sky Light Copyright MM Sikes
In our little town, for as long as I can remember, I've heard tales of the light at Cohoke. Over the years, people have come from miles around to visit the railroad tracks back in the remote countryside about 10 miles outside our community.

The story goes that many years ago a railroad worker was decapitated in an accident, and he now walks the tracks carrying a lantern in search of his head. That's the light that many people claim to have seen. This light that appears for only a few seconds then disappears again is said to sway back and forth. It even moves up and down the track illuminating the rails.

Another explanation for this light is it is the ghostly appearance of a train of wounded Confederate soldiers that disappeared during the war. The train vanished whether from destruction by Federal soldiers or from another more mysterious means.

It takes a very dark night to see this light, so the story goes. The light is explained away by some people as caused by marsh gases.

I've never been to look. A railroad track on a dark and eerie night would not be a welcoming sight for me. But it might be perfect for some on a gloomy Halloween eve.


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7 comments:

Aleta said...

I got chills just reading this. I'd love to see it, but I wouldn't as well. :)

Mason Canyon said...

Love the stories. I'd be one of those that would have to go see if I could see the light. But my luck, I never would. That reminds me of a story by Nickolas Sparks about a light in a graveyard but only at certain times. Can't remember the name of the book, but it was good.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

I would have to check it out. Might not breathe the whole time but I"d have to go. LOL

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

How fascinating I find these ghostly stories! But like, Aleta, I would and I would not like to see them in reality.

Mason and Mary are probably a little braver than I am!

Helen Ginger said...

Love local tales of scary things happening. They're scary because they seem based on reality and have been passed down for years.

Helen

Joanne said...

Stories like this are so intriguing, especially this time of year. It makes for a spooky, but fun, ghost story!

KK Brees said...

Perhaps the late at night sightings were enhanced by a bit of a nip, eh?