As October settles over North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore some local spooky legends—and Lydia’s Bridge in Jamestown is one that has fascinated residents and visitors for decades.
The Legend of Lydia
According to the historic marker placed by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in 2023, Lydia’s Bridge has been linked to ghostly sightings since the 1920s. The marker notes:
"Since the 1920s, apparition of a young woman has been seen hitchhiking here, only to disappear when drivers come to her aid."
Legend has it that on rainy nights, a young woman—often described as wearing white—may appear at the bridge, silently asking for a ride. But just as mysteriously as she appears, she vanishes before reaching her destination.
The Real Tragedy Behind the Legend
While the ghost story has persisted for generations, there is a historical event that may have inspired it. In 1920, a young woman tragically died in a car accident near the bridge along High Point Road. Reports from the time describe a vehicle overturning on a wet road, echoing the circumstances that the legend later described. Over time, this real-life tragedy became entwined with folklore, giving birth to the tale of Lydia’s ghostly hitchhiker.
The Bridge Today
Visitors today will find Lydia’s Bridge easily visible, standing as a quiet landmark in Jamestown. It may no longer be part of busy traffic, but it’s still a recognizable location for those drawn to its stories of the past. The bridge serves as a unique intersection of history and legend, where local folklore keeps the memory of past events alive.
Why Lydia’s Bridge Matters
Lydia’s Bridge is more than just a ghost story—it’s a reminder of how communities preserve history through stories and legends. Whether one believes in the sightings or not, the bridge tells a story about the people, tragedies, and folklore that shaped the area, keeping history alive in both fact and imagination.
