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During this spooky season, Kontji Anthony joins lifestyle expert Alexandra Nolan at Elmwood Cemetery to uncover the incredible stories of the people laid to rest there in Part 1 of Nolan’s Spirits with the Spirits series. Among these tales is the remarkable journey of Evelyn Estes, a woman who, in 1927, set out on horseback from Memphis to the Pacific Ocean with nothing but her horse and her dog by her side. Her story is one of adventure, bravery, and an unyielding will to follow her dreams. Today, we raise a glass to her boldness with a rum-based drink fittingly named The Headless Horseman.

Cheers to Evelyn Estes!
Raise your glass to a woman who followed her dreams across the country, and whose journey still inspires adventurers to this day. Whether you prefer the cocktail or mocktail version, The Headless Horseman is the perfect drink to celebrate Evelyn’s adventurous spirit.

Recipe for The Headless Horseman (Cocktail Version):

  • 1 oz rum
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz grenadine
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Garnish: Lime wedge, mint sprig

Recipe for The Headless Horseman (Mocktail Version):

  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz grenadine
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Garnish: Lime wedge, mint sprig

The Story of Evelyn Estes

Evelyn’s journey began with a wave goodbye to Memphis, as she mounted her horse and headed westward. Along the way, she wrote in her journal about her encounters with nature, including everything from prairie dogs to sunflowers, and the kindness of strangers she met on her path. With help from her mother, who wired money to designated stops, Evelyn braved the unknown.

In Arkansas, she met the governor and was gifted traveler’s checks after admitting she’d never heard of them. She helped deliver a baby in Kansas and was rewarded with the baby being given the middle name “Estes.” Along the way, she crossed paths with historic figures, including Calvin Coolidge, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth. She explored landmarks like the Black Hills and the Grand Canyon, but her journey wasn’t without hardship—an accident left both her and her horse injured, forcing her to take a train for part of the trip.

After recovering, Evelyn made her way to California, celebrating her 22nd birthday at the Pacific Ocean in February 1928. She covered over 3,800 miles, riding on unmarked dirt roads with no highways in sight, relying on the kindness of strangers along the way. After her adventure, Evelyn continued to live a life of service, working as a nurse’s aide during WWII and later in a psychiatric unit. She lived to be 93, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and courage that we honor today.

Conclusion

Evelyn Estes lived a life of adventure and service, crossing the country on horseback and working in various fields throughout her life. Her journey reminds us of the courage it takes to follow our dreams, no matter how daunting the road ahead may be. As we sip on The Headless Horseman, we remember the legacy of a woman who lived life on her own terms and whose story continues to inspire.

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