The Noose on the Bridge Dean’s Bridge a.k.a Devil Bridge - Vermillion, Ohio

In late September 2022, I took one of my yearly fall trips. I decided to head off to Vermillion to ride through Gore Orphanage Road and look for other oddities in the area. After riding down that road several times, I explored the area. Aside from an abandoned schoolhouse, I did discover another thing.

Over the Vermillion River, a Pratt truss-style bridge stands for those who want to cross the river. Dean’s Bridge was built in 1898 by the Massillon Bridge Co. In 1978, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Over a decade later, it was originally slated for demolition to make way for a new bridge; however, it was decided that it would be refurbished instead of further preserving it. 

While many know this as Dean’s Bridge, an urban legend gives it a more sinister nickname: Devil Bridge. The area Dean’s Bridge is in is also known as Devil’s Heartbeat. Some people claim to hear a thumping noise in the area. Many believe it is a warning to travelers to get out . It is said that late at night, drivers report seeing a long shadow of a noose hanging from the bridge when they drive on the bridge. It is said that a long time ago, a man took his life on that bridge. Since then, the bridge has been haunted. Legend goes that those who encounter the noose know that death will be upon them soon. Supposedly, the actual noose the man hung himself with remained on the bridge for years until it was renovated. I do not have a source to confirm that other than the legend. 

Other than that legend, crossing it in the daytime gives you a lovely view of the river. As for the Gore Orphanage, that is a tale for another time, as it definitely deserves its own article.