When did the headless horseman exist?

Answer 1

The Headless Horseman is a legendary figure from American folklore, most famously associated with Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," published in 1820. The character is believed to be based on ghost stories and folklore surrounding the American Revolutionary War period, particularly the Hessian soldier who lost his head in battle. Thus, while the tale is fictional, the character's origins are rooted in a historical context from the late 18th century.