After shooting proved to have no effect, the Horseman sliced him open, but Crane had time to decapitate the Horseman with a broadsword he was carrying. Crane met the horseman on the battlefield, wielding a large battle axe. In 1781 during a battle outside Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane, an Englishman who had joined the cause was given orders by General Washington to make certain he killed a specific Hessian mercenary, one with a bow on his hand. Orion failed and got trapped in Purgatory. The Horseman somehow met the angel Orion and dueled him. In exchange for Katrina, Abraham became the incarnation of Death.ĭuring Paul Revere's ride, to warn the British were coming, he also secretly took a letter from the Freemasons detailing the Horsemen's weaknesses, as such the Horseman emerged and chased them, killing three of Paul's friends, but Paul and the message escaped. The Hessians took the near-dead Abraham to Moloch, with whom he made a deal. Ichabod was forced to run, their mission too important to abandon. The two dueled, and Abraham managed to overpower Ichabod and held him at sword point, however before the fight could go any further, they were attacked by Hessians who shot Abraham. Overcome with fury and anger at what he saw as a betrayal, Abraham drew his sword and attacked Ichabod. Ichabod decided to tell his friend the truth, that Katrina had broken off because she was in love with him. While on a secret mission for the rebels, he could not stop talking about it. Abraham was overwhelmed by shock and sorrow, but at the same time, he received nothing but humiliation and disgrace.

He befriended Ichabod and fell in love with Katrina van Tassel and was betrothed to her, however, Katrina did not love him and broke off the arrangement. He and his family came to America, and it was Abraham's dream to live in a country of democracy and freedom. Drive here in under an hour or come via the Metro-North line and see sights that inspired a literary masterpiece.Abraham was Ichabod's best friend, he was initially a good, but somewhat arrogant man, who sided with the rebels. Sleepy Hollow lies just 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) to the north of New York City. This follows the route taken by an old aqueduct that used to carry water to New York City. In addition to touring old buildings, get out and explore the surrounding scenery by hiking or biking along the Hudson River and the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. Matisse’s brilliant rose window was his last work of art before his death in 1954. Union Church of Pocantico Hills is one of the village’s most attractive buildings for its stained-glass windows, designed by famous French artists Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. Rockefeller’s grandiose estate, Kykuit, a 40-room mansion with an impressive art collection. Tour the 300-year-old house and participate in authentic mill activities, such as threshing wheat. This historic Dutch house and mill used to be a successful farm and textile production business. Step back to the 18th century at Philipsburg Manor. Many other notable Americans are also interred in this stately memorial park, including Elizabeth Arden, Andrew Carnegie and Walter Chrysler.ĭiscover more history in some of the village’s impressive buildings. Next door is the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Washington Irving is buried. Keep an eye out for the headstone of Catriena Ecker Van Tessel, who was the inspiration for Irving’s heroine Katrina Van Tassel. Built in 1685, this is the oldest church in New York. If you are a fan of the short story, go to the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow where the hero Ichabod Crane sought refuge from the villainous Headless Horseman.

Visit sites that fired up his imagination and were featured in the ghostly tale.

Washington Irving immortalized the picturesque village of Sleepy Hollow with his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Retrace his footsteps, visit regal manors and enjoy the area’s rich history. Ichabod Crane, Washington Irving’s fictional hero, called this village home.

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