Halloween may be over, but there are some legends in Virginia scary enough to keep us terrified all year long. One prime example is the tale of the mysterious glowing railroad. Located outside the small area of West Point in the Tidewater Region is a railroad intersection known as Cohoke Crossing. Occasionally, spectators have observed an unexplainable glow emanating from the tracks. While this sounds like something from a science fiction movie, there are locals that swear it to be true. You might just have to decide for yourself.
Note: Please be mindful of the private properties located near this intersection and do not investigate the area by trespassing.
The railroad in question is situated in King William County is the former Southern line between Danville and West Point.
While the railway may seem normal — and even picturesque — in the daylight, something utterly terrifying happens at night.
According to legend, this very site is haunted by the restless spirit of a man who was killed here.
Back in the 1800s, there was allegedly a brakeman who was going about his normal evening rotation. Hopping off the train with his lantern, he went to check the cable between the two cars when the train began moving again, decapitating the brakeman in the process.
On occasion, many have reported spotting the glow of the brakeman's lantern, still looking for his decapitated head along the railway.
Those brave enough to seek out this phenomenon have reported seeing the light, which appears to be the size of a headlight.
The photograph below is a still frame from a video captured by YouTube user SonomaSpirit. The faint glow of light could be the very spirit that has haunted the intersection for centuries.Check out the full video here:
What are your thoughts on this terrifying legend? Do you believe it to be true or simply a story? Either way, we'd love to hear from you.
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