Legend has it that an isolated bridge over railroad tracks on Brotherton Mountain Road in Cookeville, Tennessee, is haunted by a former railroad employee named George. It is said that the bridge earned its unique name from Old Crazy George, who enjoyed a few spirits and got into a bit of mischief one night, which led to his transformation into a spirit.
One night, George had one too many, and he found himself under the bridge, fooling around, when he was beheaded by an oncoming train.
According to legend, if you go to the bridge and call out his name three times, a light from a lantern will appear, being carried by a headless shadow that will begin walking towards the living as he searches for his head.
Another says that if you come out to this bridge late at night into the early morning hours, and turn off your car, it won’t start again.
Folklore often leads to another question: Is the story of “Crazy George’s Bridge” real? No one knows, but it should be noted that this spot has been visited by occult groups, who perform rituals over the years. Visitors have seen mysterious groups and strange figures standing in circles.
Other deviations of the tale exist.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.