The Setting of the Story

          The story is set in the small Dutch village, untouched by the outside world, in 1790. It was a …” small market town or rural port, which by some is called Greensburgh, but which is more generally and properly known by the name of Tarry Town.  This name was given, we are told, in former days, by the good housewives of the adjacent country, from the inveterate propensity of their husbands to linger about the village tavern on market days…” 

           And then Irving continues and describes the town itself and, particularly, the way of life of it’s inhabitants “…From the listless repose of the place, and the peculiar character of its inhabitants, who are descendants from the original Dutch settlers, this sequestered glen has long been known by the name of SLEEPY HOLLOW, and its rustic lads are called the Sleepy Hollow Boys throughout all the neighboring country. A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere…” 

            To my mind, these lines reveal the setting of the story in the best manner.