Cry Baby Bridge

Crybaby Bridge

Overview

Crybaby Bridge near Ostrander, Ohio, is one of several bridges across the state associated with legends of an infant’s death and lingering paranormal phenomena. The site, located on Stover Road, has become part of local folklore, with visitors claiming to hear the cries of a baby and experience strange physical sensations when crossing the bridge at night. While popular among paranormal enthusiasts, no verifiable historical evidence supports the legend’s origin.

Location

• Address: Stover Road (exact location not publicly listed)
• City/County: Ostrander, Delaware County, Ohio
• Public Access: Yes

Haunting / Legend Summary

According to local legend, a man killed his infant child near the bridge many years ago, and the child’s spirit remains. The most common version of the story claims that if a person drives across the bridge between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, they will hear the sound of a baby crying. Some witnesses also report a physical sensation as if their car is being pushed or pulled toward the water. Others have said that when the water beneath the bridge is low, a baby carriage can be seen resting on the riverbed. There is no verified documentation or contemporary record confirming that such an infanticide occurred at this location.

Historical Background

There is not enough available information for this section. No records have been found to confirm the date of the bridge’s construction or any related deaths or criminal incidents in the area corresponding to the legend.

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: None specifically described beyond the alleged sighting of a baby carriage in the water.
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: Reports of distant or faint baby cries between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.
• Physical Touches: Sensations of a vehicle being pulled or moved while on the bridge.
• Object Movement: Occasional claims of seeing a baby carriage beneath the bridge during periods of low water.
• Malfunctions: N/A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: N/A
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

The Crybaby Bridge legend is a recurring folk motif found in numerous Ohio counties and other states, suggesting that it is likely a form of shared cultural storytelling rather than a unique historical event. Possible rational explanations include:

• The sound of animals such as frogs, owls, or raccoons can resemble infant cries, especially near water at night.
• The sensation of a car “being pulled” could be attributed to the incline or structural vibrations of the bridge.
• Low visibility and reflection from headlights may create the illusion of objects, such as a “baby carriage,” in the water.
• The legend itself may influence visitors’ perceptions through suggestion and expectation, a psychological phenomenon known as the power of suggestion or priming.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Open to traffic at all hours; nighttime visits are not officially encouraged.
• Fees or Costs: None.
• Contact Info: Delaware County Sheriff’s Office (for safety and traffic inquiries).
• Warnings/Restrictions: The bridge is an active roadway; stopping or parking on the bridge at night may be hazardous and is discouraged.