Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey
Horror fans worldwide know the famous tale of the Headless Horseman, or Galloping Hessian, which author Washington Irving immortalized in his novel, *The Legend of Sleepy Hollow*. However, many Louisiana residents are unaware that there is a legendary ghostly rider right here in the Pelican State.On a lonely and winding stretch of Louisiana State Road 451 lies the Sarto Old Iron Bridge, constructed in 1916 over Bayou de Glaises. According to local legend, a worker—known as a cowboy—fell into the concrete while a pillar was being poured and was engulfed by the mixture while his coworkers helplessly looked on in terror.
Over the following decades, people in and around the bridge reported seeing and feeling the presence of 'The Marlboro Man' (so named by locals because he resembles the famed cowboy in Marlboro cigarette advertisements) and his phantom horse. His image occasionally mysteriously appears on the pillar that became his tomb, and at other times, he is seen atop the bridge, either alone or riding his horse. Spectral sounds from both the cowboy and the phantom horse have been heard on the bridge, even though there is no visible source of anyone or anything crossing. The nearby general store, now the Big Bend Post Office Museum, is also said to be one of The Marlboro Man's favorite haunts.
Normally, the ghostly cowboy keeps to himself, but on one recent occasion, a local resident was touring the bridge with her family when they suddenly encountered The Marlboro Man face-to-face. The group left the area in terror and was shaken by the experience for some time.
Paranormal investigators from a group known as LA Spirits have conducted surveys of the bridge, museum, and surrounding area and confirmed that it is a hotspot for such phenomena. Museum curator Brittany Bowman has noted that she has occasionally felt as if she were being watched or followed while crossing the bridge. She's also experienced cold spots inside the museum and refuses to enter after dark.
Recently, I mustered enough courage to travel to the Sarto Old Iron Bridge to learn more about the area and its ghostly horseman for myself. Unfortunately, The Marlboro Man did not deem my presence worthy enough to make an appearance, so I don’t have a ghost story or any spectral images to share.
Instead, I captured what I believe is the true essence of the bridge and the surrounding area. Honestly, it felt a bit spooky around the Sarto Old Iron Bridge and the nearby woods and farmlands. Oddly enough, it was also very peaceful and calming. I found myself wanting to stay longer than I had expected, just to soak in the stillness. Perhaps that's why our cowboy friend has remained there all these years? No one will ever know for sure. If you want to experience a real Louisiana ghost story, I highly recommend making the trip out there.
Prior to 1913, floodwaters from the nearby Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and Red Rivers frequently forced the evacuation of people, livestock and property in the Big Bend area. The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury in 1915 authorized the construction of an elevated permanent bridge over Bayou des Glaises at Sarto Lane. The steel truss swing bridge was completed in 1916 for vehicular and boat traffic. This parish landmark is a rare surviving example of its type and is honored by being the first bridge in Louisiana listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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