On pages 27 and 28 of Tally Johnson’s Ghosts of the Midlands book, Johnson discusses the local lore and why the young bride is trapped to spend eternity along this road near Aiken.
The incident occurred in the 1920s when a young couple traveled from their North Carolina home en route to Florida, stopping in Aiken to get married. Afterward, the perfect day turned into the perfect nightmare for the newlyweds.
“The weather turned stormy just after the ceremony. Not far from the community of Steifeltown, their car ran out of gas.” A traveling motorist saw the abandoned couple and decided to offer help. The groom stayed behind with their belongings and car while the bride got a lift to a nearby gas station for fuel.
On the way back to join the groom, the good Samaritan lost control on the slick road, killing both near the Burnetttown community. The groom was never seen again after reportedly bouncing bar to bar along the highway.
Today, people have seen the young bride hitching a ride on rainy nights. According to Johnson, the people who have picked her up hear a gut-wrenching scream as she vanishes from the front seat.
Johnson’s father may have spotted the young woman as he passed through the area many years ago, near Richardson Lake Road and Highway 421.
The next time you go down Highway 421 and see her, you will give her a lift. I’ve heard she’s an absolute delight to meet.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
(Source: Ghosts of the Midlands. Pages 27 and 28. Tally Johnson.
