In another article, we traced the path of the ominously-named Devil’s Backbone Road, a roughly oval-shaped loop that departs from, and returns to, Blanco. Our research for that article left plenty of history and folklore about this series of highways, and we’re going to discuss that here.

As European immigrants trickled into the Hill Country in the 1840s, there was instantly friction between them and the Native Americans who claimed the use of the land for themselves. It wasn’t a concept unique to the region; it was a common theme through the pioneer age as white settlers pushed westward.

It didn’t take long before violent clashes occurred between the Native Americans and the Europeans and white Americans from points eastward. While some arguments were settled peaceably, more than a few resulted in bloody violence. There are numerous accounts of middle-of-the-night Indian raids on pioneer families. Sometimes, hostages were taken; more often the result was outright slaughter. These horrors were visited upon settlers for three decades, and they didn’t abate until the 1870s, when military personnel, Texas Rangers, and civilian posses stepped in. Unfortunately, the solution was often just as bloody as the raids themselves. It’s passed down that some settlers threw themselves from the limestone cliffs of the Devil’s Backbone rather than face a deadly raid.

There were outposts and forts established in the Hill Country to assist not only local settlers, but to escort folks who were headed farther west. When the American Civil War broke out, both Union and Confederate troops mustered in the area too prepare. On occasion, Blue and Gray troops would fight, and in other cases there were bloody arguments between troops fighting on the same side. In many ways, the region was a lawless mess, and violence occurred with regularity. Innocents were killed alongside the guilty in the confusion.

It’s no surprise that many locals bluntly report that the Devil’s Backbone area is haunted. Whatever your views may be on the subject, there are those convinced to the point they won’t travel at night unless necessary.

For example, the specter of a pioneer woman is said to roam the ridge, seeking her husband who disappeared in a raid. The spirit of a peaceful Native American rancher who was killed indiscriminately is said to still watch over his cattle. A frightening apparition of a tribal warrior is said to leap onto the hoods of passing cars. The steady beat of hooves is sometimes heard, the remnants of a lost group of Confederate soldiers.

Even taken with a grain of salt, there are a lot of stories of unusual occurrences in and around the Devil’s Backbone Road, which is sometimes called “Purgatory Road” as a result. If you want to hear the stories yourself, the staff and patrons of the Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Canyon Lake are usually happy to oblige! The area’s spooky reputation draws those interested in the paranormal to investigate.

So, what do you think? Have you encountered anything unusual on the Devil’s Backbone Road? Please share your stories here...and be respectful of your fellow readers in your comments!

The roads of the Texas Hill Country, the Devil’s Backbone included, lead to dozens of historic and interesting towns, all of which feature businesses and attractions that appeal to all types of travelers. The Texas Hill Country Travel App features over 2,300 listings in 40 towns; it’s a must-have when you hit the road!