The Joe’s River Ghosts

On December 17, 2020, the Joe’s River Bridge in St. Joseph was reopened after falling into disrepair for a number of years. The wooden structure looms above one of Barbados’ only above-ground rivers and is hugged by the mahogany-laden rainforest in which it is found. Upon approaching the area, one feels beckoned into a different world, washed by the serene sounds and echoes of nature. The river itself is nestled into the vegetative nooks of the eastern parish, reminiscent of a once thick forest with crystalline water churning melodically from the highlands down to the sea. 

But did you know that the blubbers of the rolling river are really whispers of a haunted past? For centuries, the tales of restless spirits have floated amongst the community. As with most parts of the island, a sugar plantation once stood on the many acres of land surrounding Joe’s River. As late as the 1950s, the sugar factory was still in operation and it would not be surprising if the water from the river was used for bathing and washing (Barbados Advocate, 1952, p. 1). However, while a precise date is unknown, this legend trails as far back as the 18th century when the original estate mansion was still there. This mansion held many frightful secrets. 

The story all began when the estate owner died suddenly, leaving behind a small child. That child inherited his father’s property but as he was yet young, his uncle was named as the guardian of both the son and the estate. At an appropriate age, the boy would then take over and fully embrace his inherited fortune. 

Sadly, that would never come to pass. With newfound wealth often comes new dangers. Jealous threats tend to creep out of the woodworks and this young child was not to be excepted. One day, both the future heir and his nurse up and vanished. Just like that! The entire community was searched but there was not a single trace of the pair. How could two people just disappear? Had they been slaughtered and buried? Or maybe drowned in the belly of the river? No one was ever sure of the answer. 

One thing did seem certain though. It was impossible to prove but the uncle was the most probable suspect. He was known for being a rapacious individual and it was not unbelievable that he would go to great lengths to ensure that he was the sole heir to the Joe’s River estate. Desperate enough to murder his young nephew and his dear nurse to cover his tracks, the very man sent to protect and care for the young boy was the same man to bring his tragic and early demise.

Edward Stoute proposed that the uncle and suspected murderer was a man by the name of Brigadier General Holder. He reasoned this because lying on the land of the property was a tombstone inscribed with the name of this general and a death year of 1771. This would put this man of rank within the correct timeline for the mysterious incident. 

At his death, the uncle’s corpse was to be carried in a hearse drawn by horses. However, according to the legend, the corpse was placed in the carriage but the two horses refused to pull it. It is said that animals have excellent intuition and their defiance practically confirmed the evil that this man had committed (Stoute p. 165).

One question remains. Did the uncle ever really pay for what he had done? After all, he had accomplished his goal; he retained ownership of the vast property. However, not a single day of the rest of his life was peaceful for there was a constant eerie feeling within the walls of the grand estate mansion. The nephew and his nurse made sure that they were never to be forgotten and after their disappearance, their tormented spirits were spotted on many instances walking around the house. 

So the next time you venture to the Bridge at Joe’s River, stop and see if the ghosts give you the jitters! 

Bibliography

Gonsalves, Jenny. “The New Joe's River Pedestrian Bridge.” BajanThings, 11 Jan. 2022, 

https://www.bajanthings.com/the-new-joes-river-pedestrian-bridge/. 

“Joe's River (Bridge).” Facebook, Joe's River & Bridge, 21 Jan. 2021,

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?

fbid=2456097194687033&set=ecnf.100064455081689. Accessed 5 Oct. 2022.

Stoute, Edward. Stoute Scrapbook. Barbados Advocate. 

“The 1952 Crop Will Start This Month.” Barbados Advocate, 5 Jan. 1952, p. 1.