The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic short story by Washington Irving that is often considered a cornerstone of American literature. The story, set in the late 18th century in a Dutch settlement in upstate New York, follows the character of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the mysterious Headless Horseman. The story is known for its atmosphere of mystery and the supernatural, as well as its commentary on American culture and society at the time. It is considered to be a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and the development of the American literary tradition.