| Helen's Bridge |
| Legend: Built in 1909 to provide access to the Zealandia Mansion on the crest of Beaucatcher Mountain, Helen's Bridge, or Zealandia's Bridge was special from its conception. The bridge was graced with beauty, both in its arched design and its quarried stone construction. R. S. Smith was the designing Architect. R. S. Smith was the field architect for the Biltmore House and designed The Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. The story goes that Helen was a woman who lived on Beaucatcher Mountain many years ago with her only daughter. One night her house caught fire and the child perished. Helen was so distraught she hung herself from the small stone bridge near her home. Since that night it has been said if you go to the bride late at night, turn off your car, and call Helen's name she will appear to you. A sad glowing figure. If you are "lucky" enough to see her you may as well settle in. Those who see Helen find that their car won't start when they try to leave. FALSE INFO As you drive up Beaucatcher Mountain on Vance Gap Road (I have also been told Town Mountain Road), Alt Version: When the Zalandia Castle caught fire; a woman named Helen lost her only child. A daughter. Helen was so crushed by the loss she hung herself from the bridge right down the road from the castle. On Halloween night go to the bridge and try to conjure Helen. If she is successfully called, you car will mess up in some way that you can't get down the mountain. (NOT EVEN CLOSE TO ZALANDIA) |
Two of our people, Tom and Jaimie, made a visit to Helen's
Bridge during the summer of 2007 while in NC for other
investigations. After some difficulty in finding it, as mentioned
above, we did located it and began to check things out. Tom
wanted to get a feel for the place while it was still light out, so
we got there a little early.
As many places that we've encountered over the years, this
one proved to be yet another local hangout spot for the
adolescent and young adults. Made noticeable by the amounts
of trash and beer cans and bottles laying around. We couldn't
help but wonder if this might have something to do with the
stories about the bridge being haunted?
Whether it was just luck, or good timing on our part, but we had
the place all to ourselves without any interference from other
people. So, it made for a clean investigation. Neither Tom or
Jaimie had any personal experiences here, nor did we get
anything as far as evidence of an paranormal activity.
Either we were just lucky, or the stories aren't true, but we
didn't' have any trouble starting the car when we left! Are the
stories about the haunting at Helen's Bridge true? Well, we
can't say one way or the other, but as always, we recommend
keeping and open mind, but just don't get swept away with
rumors and urban legends!
Bridge during the summer of 2007 while in NC for other
investigations. After some difficulty in finding it, as mentioned
above, we did located it and began to check things out. Tom
wanted to get a feel for the place while it was still light out, so
we got there a little early.
As many places that we've encountered over the years, this
one proved to be yet another local hangout spot for the
adolescent and young adults. Made noticeable by the amounts
of trash and beer cans and bottles laying around. We couldn't
help but wonder if this might have something to do with the
stories about the bridge being haunted?
Whether it was just luck, or good timing on our part, but we had
the place all to ourselves without any interference from other
people. So, it made for a clean investigation. Neither Tom or
Jaimie had any personal experiences here, nor did we get
anything as far as evidence of an paranormal activity.
Either we were just lucky, or the stories aren't true, but we
didn't' have any trouble starting the car when we left! Are the
stories about the haunting at Helen's Bridge true? Well, we
can't say one way or the other, but as always, we recommend
keeping and open mind, but just don't get swept away with
rumors and urban legends!
| A closer view of the bridge |
| Helen's Bridge - Asheville, NC |
| Top of the bridge |
| Our first time on the bridge |
| Heading onto the bridge |
| That's a light off in the distance |
| The other end of the bridge |
| There were a good bit of insects flying about at night |
| Tom sets up the voice recorder |
| There were signs that the bridge is frequented as a hang out area |