The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DEAD MAN'S HOLLER

IN VIRGINIA THEY HAVE VALLEYS. IN CALIFORNIA THEY
HAVE CANYONS. IN THE KENTUCKY MOUNTAINS WE MOSTLY
HAVE HOLLERS. DEAD MAN'S HOLLER OVER NEAR LAUDEN IS A
LONESOME GHOSTLY PLACE. THE STORY I WAS TOLD IS THAT
A UNION SOLDIER CAME THROUGH GUARDING A CONFEDERATE
PRISONER DURING THE CIVIL WAR. THE PRISONER FOUND A
CHANCE TO KILL HIS CAPTOR. HE DID AND THEN BURIED
THE UNION SOLDIER IN A SHALLOW GRAVE AND HUNG HIS
BOOTS ON THE LIMB OF A TREE. EVER SINCE THAT DAY
THAT PLACE HAS BEEN CALLED DEAD MAN'S HOLLER.

Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG

James Callow Keyword(s): HOLLOW

Date learned: 05-01-1969