Urban legends provide a fascinating look into the history and superstitions of a place. Some have actual, historic roots; others are pure fiction. In Oklahoma, we certainly have our share of urban legends – some that sprouted from historic events, and others that are harder to pinpoint. Continue reading to learn about Oklahoma’s crybaby bridges.

Crybaby bridges exist all over the country, and Oklahoma has several. The stories surrounding the bridges vary.
Steve Prokop/flickr
Some of these legendary stories stem from actual deaths that occurred on bridges. In some cases, a woman jumped from the bridge with her baby, committing suicide. In other stories, the woman threw the baby over the rail, or the woman and her baby were in a car that plunged off the bridge in a horrible accident. No matter what the historic account is, the result is the same...
People who visit crybaby bridges at night have heard babies crying and women screaming.
MRHSfan/flickr
In some cases, a woman is seen walking across the bridge toward an oncoming car. When the driver stops to see if he can help, she tells him that she's lost her baby...and then she disappears into thin air. The Black Fork River Bridge near Horntubby is said to be haunted by a woman's ghost.

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Bridges in many Oklahoma towns, including Alderson, Moore, Bixby, Kellyville, Lawton and Vinita are said to be crybaby bridges. This bridge near Heavener is another example.
MRHSfan/flickr
On June 13, 1924, a young mother was crossing this bridge with a horse and buggy when a storm approached. Lightning struck and knocked the baby out of her mother's arms. as the storm raged around her, the woman could hear her baby's cries. She searched the bridge, but couldn't find him in the dark. She slipped and fell off the bridge, into the water below and drowned. The bridge is closed now, but people in the area say that they hear the baby's cries on that night every year.
The bridge at Lake Overholser, near Oklahoma City, is also said to be a crybaby bridge.
Joanna Mecham/flickr
Many people report seeing a woman dressed all in white holding a baby, who vanishes as they approach. It's said that if you approach the bridge, then turn your lights off, you'll see her. If you dare, park your car and walk across the bridge. Reports of a baby crying are common here.
If you've ever crossed a river in the inky blackness of night, you can attest to the fact that it's a creepy feeling.
Thomas & Dianne Jones/flickr
The water swirls below you in the dark, but you can't see very well. You might imagine plunging off the bridge into the deep, black water...never to be found. The next time you cross a bridge in Oklahoma, unroll your windows and listen closely. Is that the sound of a newborn baby crying out there over the water?

Have you ever seen or head strange things on one of Oklahoma’s crybaby bridges? Tell us in the comments!

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