I’m sure you have all heard of the Appalachian Rules:
If you see something, no you didn’t.
If you hear something, no you didn’t.
If something whistles at you, you don’t whistle back.

But what happens if you ignore the rules? What will happen if you whistle back or interact with the so-called “wildlife” in the Appalachian Mountains? This is the legend of Headless Annie, located in Harlan County, Kentucky

Listen closely, my dear readers, to this unnerving tale about a young woman who lost her life on the winding trail of Black Mountain. Annie was presumed to be a beautiful young girl, who had heads turning every way she went. Unfortunately, before she knew it, Miss Annie’s head would be the one to turn, but this time it’d be fatal. 

Black Mountain is a winding trail located deep in the trees of Harlan County, Kentucky. Truck-drivers, coal miners, and typical netizens would say that it was one of the most treacherous roads in Harlan County, and that may be true after hearing the legend of poor Headless Annie. Speaking of coal miners, the 1930s were swarmed with riots and fights due to the harsh work environments and assumed environmental damage the trade was causing. 

Legend has it that Annie and her mother were present at one of these riots. As tensions began to rise and curses were being thrown, Annie and her mother were murdered; beheaded right in her father’s line of sight, soaking their white dresses in blood. After forcing him to watch the death of his wife and child, the miners leading the riot murdered him as well. 

Ever since that day, Annie is seen walking up and down Black Mountain with her head in her hands. If you happen to see young Annie, steer clear,  don’t believe that just because her head is gone, does not mean she does not have a sense of her surroundings. Her bleary form knows you are there and she has the power to make your car stop, stall, or completely malfunction. 

While she is not a malevolent spirit, Annie makes her presence known. Perhaps to keep her story alive, or maybe in hopes she’ll catch a glimpse of the men who stole her life, in order to get her sweet, well- deserved revenge.

So, be warned my dear readers, if you ever plan a road trip to Harlan County, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Headless Annie on Black Mountain. Stay in your malfunctioning car, and wait for the lady in white to disappear, before you, too, have the same fate. 

Edited and Reviewed by Makenna White