Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground
Founded around 1685, this is the church and churchyard that appear in Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“Indeed, certain of the most authentic historians of those parts, who have been careful in collecting and collating the floating facts concerning this spectre, allege that the body of the trooper, having been buried in the church-yard, the ghost rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head; and that the rushing speed with which he sometimes passes along the Hollow, like a midnight blast, is owing to his being belated, and in a hurry to get back to the church-yard before daybreak.”
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
No restroom facilities. Grounds close at 4:30 pm, no entry after 4:30. All groups must register in advance with the church office.
Founded around 1685, this is the church and churchyard that appear in Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It is often confused with the adjacent but separate Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
The church’s 3-acre burying ground is, of course, the purported haunt of the headless horseman, and also the resting place of local citizens who likely inspired Irving’s characters of Katrina Van Tassel, Brom Bones, and others in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Outside of October the church is infrequently open for casual visitation, though visitors are welcomed at Easter, Christmas Eve, and summer music services.
This is a consecrated building of an active congregation, be respectful of worship services, weddings, and funerals.
Location: 430 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, 914-631-4497. https://reformedchurchtarrytowns.org and https://www.friendsofodc.org/
Parking: none on site. There is limited parking inside the adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. All vehicles and pedestrians must exit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery no later than 4:30 pm.
Self-guided tours
Purchase a copy of Tales of the Old Dutch Burying Ground from Sleepy Hollow Gifts, or at the museum shop at Philipsburg Manor. A fold-out map at the center of the book guides you through the churchyard.