Is This Really North Carolina's Most Haunted Place

You are at the bus stop and the freezing temperatures outside refuse to let up, as does the rain. You desperately want to get back into Jamestown, North Carolina, change into fresh clothes, and get some rest. The bus comes, and you pay the fare as you step inside, but something catches your eye as the bus begins heading into town. You get a glimpse of what looks to be a woman drenched from the heavy downfall and what appears to be a look of melancholy on her face. You go to yell for the bus driver, but just as you turn back to give a description, she’s gone.

Lydia's Bridge Mile Marker - Photo By: William G. Pomeroy FoundationPhoto byWilliam G. Pomeroy Foundation

Meet Lydia, and this bridge belongs to her - Unofficially. For the last 70 years, her story has grown as people have shared their run-ins with her apparition, some claiming to have let her in their car - only for her to disappear when arriving at her destination! She is known as a hitchhiking spirit, attempting to get the attention of drivers as they pass under the bridge.

According to a man named Burke Hardison, a woman in a white gown asked him to stop his car. She asked him if she could get a ride to High Point. When he arrived at her requested destination, he realized he was the only one in the car. Confused, Hardison walked up to the house he parked in front of and knocked on the door. An older woman answered, explaining to Hardison that the girl he was inquiring about had been dead for a year. The girl was her daughter, who died in a car accident at an overpass that was nearby.

Many artists have passed through, showing off their portfolios for many to see. Lydia’s bridge has continued to stand the test of time - collecting debris, wear and tear, and occasionally pieces of graffiti.

What’s intriguing is that Burke Hardison reported that Lydia had died in 1923, so counting his story, the legend is over 100 years old! So, if you visit Jamestown and approach the bridge, be aware that bumping into Lydia is within the realm of possibilities.

Written By: Izzy

Photo By: William G. Pomeroy Foundation

Sources: An Illustrated Guide to Ghosts & Mysterious Occurrences in the Old North State by Nancy Roberts

https://www.ncpedia.org/lydia-ghost-jamestown-bridge