Buckout Road White Plains the Westchester Street’s Haunted History
Buckout Road, located in White Plains/Harrison, New York has gained a notorious reputation as one of the most haunted roads in America. The legends and stories surrounding this two-mile stretch of road are filled with tales of cannibals, witches, and murder.
Over the centuries, Buckout Road in White Plains has witnessed a series of chilling events and paranormal occurrences that continue to intrigue and terrify those who dare to explore its eerie surroundings. Westchester Woman delves into the mysterious and haunting history of Buckout Road, uncovering the dark secrets that have made it a legendary destination for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
The Colonist Origins of Buckout Road in White Plains
Buckout Road’s history dates back to the early days of colonizers in the region. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area witnessed clashes between the indigenous people and white settlers. These conflicts resulted in bloodshed and tragedy, with victims being scalped and mass murder taking place. The violence and unrest during this period set the stage for the dark and haunted reputation that Buckout Road would come to acquire.
The Curse of the Albino Cannibals
Perhaps the most infamous legend associated with Buckout Road is the tale of the Albino Cannibals. It is said that there was a mysterious red house on the road, which served as the dwelling place for a family of cannibalistic albinos.
According to the legend, if you parked your car in front of the red house and honked the horn three times, the cannibalistic family would emerge and attack you, tearing you limb from limb. This macabre tale attracted thrill-seekers and curious visitors to Buckout Road, drawn by the sheer audacity and terror of the legend.
However, the red house was destroyed in a fire, and the remaining structures on the property were subsequently demolished, leaving behind only the chilling memory of the Albino Cannibals’ alleged reign of terror.
Weird U.S. tells the tale of high school kids who would taunt albinos living on Buckout Road by pulling mean pranks, honking their horns, and banging on their door. According to this version, one night a teen attempted to put an M-80 into the mailbox only to find the decapitated head of a child.
The Buckhout Family and Their Tragic Fate
One of the most well-known families associated with Buckout Road is the Buckhout family, whose name is believed to have inspired the road’s name. Many have driven by the gravestone of John Buckhout while driving by the road.
But he, as far as we know, wasn’t a murderer. Descendant Issac Van Wart Buckhout of Sleepy Hollow, home of the Headless Horseman, however, was. He was hung in White Plains in 1871 for the murder of his wife and seriously wounding a friend he suspected her of messing around with. But he had also accused her of cheating with his brothers and even her own nephew.
The Lady in White and the Ghostly Apparitions
Another haunting presence on Buckout Road is the Lady in White. Many witnesses have reported sightings of a ghostly woman dressed in white, believed to be Mary Buckhout, who met a tragic end by hanging herself from a tree.
Her spirit is said to roam the road, forever trapped in a state of unrest. Additionally, paranormal enthusiasts have reported other ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena along the road, further fueling its reputation as a haunted hotspot. Some say that her agitated ghost could be due to grab robbers.
According to Tarry Hollow Town, Mary Buckhout was the wife of Capt. John Buckhout, who together had 14 children. This doesn’t appear to be the same John F. Buckhout whose tombstone we see when driving by. His wife’s name was Charlotte.
Capt. John Buckhout lived to the age of 130, while Mary passed away 30 years prior. They are said to have had a total of 240 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren altogether.
Witchcraft and the Burning of Three Women
Buckout Road is also connected to the chilling history of witchcraft trials in the area. In the 1600s, three women were accused of practicing witchcraft and were subsequently burned at the stake.
Legend has it that the spot where they met their tragic end was marked by three X’s on the road. It was believed that driving over these X’s would bring about terrible consequences.
While the X’s are no longer visible on the modernized road, the memory of these witch trials and their supernatural implications still haunts the collective imagination.
The Legacy of The Leatherman
Buckout Road has a connection to the enigmatic figure known as The Leatherman. The Leatherman was a vagrant who roamed the region, donning a full leather outfit and living in caves.
He gained notoriety for his unique lifestyle and the mysterious route he traveled, which spanned from Connecticut to New York. Rumor has it that The Leatherman stashed away his money in a cave on Buckout Road, adding an air of mystery and hidden treasure to the already haunted atmosphere.
We’re not sure why this is a “haunted” aspect of Buckout Road’s history other than some rich people being afraid of and villainizing homeless people for no reason.
According to JSTOR Daily, some people would see him wandering through his route and would toss him some food. Others, at the time not so much. They suffered from a bout of “anti-tramp panic” and passed laws preventing vagrants from being visible in their towns. But 10 Connecticut towns were so intrigued by the Leatherman that they passed ordinances exempting him from their state’s anti-tramp laws.
Modern Legends and Pop Culture Influence of Buckout Road in White Plains
The legends and hauntings of Buckout Road have not gone unnoticed by filmmakers and artists. “The Curse of Buckout Road,” directed by Matthew Currie Holmes, was released in 2017 and delves into the chilling tales and paranormal occurrences associated with the infamous road. This cinematic representation has further solidified Buckout Road’s place in pop culture as a haunted location of fascination.
If Buckout Road had its own historian, it would be Eric Pleska. He’s written two books on the subject “New York’s Scariest Street – Buckout Road,” and “The Horrific History of Buckout Road.”
Several movies and books have been inspired by the eerie history of the road, showcasing its dark allure and perpetuating its supernatural reputation. One such film,
Visiting Buckout Road in White Plains Today
Today, Buckout Road continues to draw in those seeking a thrill and a brush with the supernatural. Visitors are cautioned to approach with caution and respect for the history and spirits that reside within its borders. But you’ll probably just find a street full of expensive houses and mansions.
Whether you believe in the legends or not, the eerie atmosphere and haunted reputation of Buckout Road make it an intriguing destination for those interested in the paranormal.