Vaughan Monroe’s ghost riders rendition made the charts was a popular baritone
The Haunting Legend of ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’ is Based on a True Story
Texas is full of lore, legends and; ghost stories. The tale of the Ghost Riders is by far the saddest, most evil, not to mention, the most famous one in the country. This legend is sadly true, a senseless ghoulish tragedy which took place in Crosby County, Texas. You may know it as Stampede Mesa.
It all began like any other cattle drive should have back in the fall of 1889. The weather had been less than cooperative; the cowboys were worn to a frazzle and the herd had been restless the entire trip. Late one night as they began climbing the slope to the top of the range near the Neches River a storm began brewing. They’d planned to set up camp just over the ridge near the water. Sawyer, the trail boss rode ahead to check out the surroundings and look out for Indians. He was shocked to see a brand new homestead perched right on top of the hill. He’d taken this route hundreds of times without incident, but now this was blocking his entire herd from crossing. It would take hours to go around it.
Sawyer became infuriated. Without explanation, he shouted and cursed and, waved a blanket high into the air to create a stampede. The nervous cattle scattered. Horses, some with riders, some without began running with all their might. His men obediently followed behind. Sawyer was screaming, whipping at the animals, as lightning bolts began flashing through the sky. The panicked livestock hurled straight through the farmhouse crushing everyone and everything in its path. No one could hear the screams of the innocent as the animals raged through. Loud thunder and dark skies made the terrified herd keep running until they ran off of several nearby cliffs to their death. Horses holding the cowhands followed behind.
Near dawn, Sawyer began surveying the devastating damage he’d caused. Below the mesa were nearly 700 dead steer. Lifeless cowpokes and their horses scattered around them. With no remorse in his soul, he ordered what was left of his hired help to round up the remaining three hundred cattle and hit the trail again.
When the drive ended, it’s said he never worked again. No one would work for him and try as he might, not a soul would hire him, even for menial tasks. Folks in that area turned their backs on him and he took comfort in liquor.He was never seen again
The following season...
It goes on:
http://texashillcountry.com/legend-ghost-riders/2/