The Enigma of the Brown Mountain Lights
The Brown Mountain Lights, a series of mysterious illuminations, have been a source of fascination and intrigue for over a century. These ghostly lights, seen near Brown Mountain in North Carolina, have sparked numerous theories and countless tales.
Historical Background
The earliest published references to these strange lights date back to around 1910, coinciding with the widespread introduction of electric lighting in the area. However, the nature of the encounters with these lights appears to have evolved over the years, influenced by changing cultural expectations.
The lights were initially attributed to trains, car headlights, and brush fires. This explanation by George R. Mansfield, a scientist from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), ended the widespread public concern at the time.
However, storytellers began telling of pre-electrification histories of the lights, and the nature of claimed encounters with the lights appears to have changed over the years to suit changing cultural expectations. For instance, some long-time residents claimed they had experiences with the lights prior to the first official sightings. Moreover, some of them told oral stories passed down from generation to generation of Civil War soldiers experiencing the lights some 50 years prior to the first official sightings.
Today, the lights are often described as hovering approximately 15 feet off the ground, appearing in various colors including blue, white, orange, and red. They are said to briefly hover in the air, vanish suddenly, and sometimes reappear moments later.
Scientific Explanations
In 1922, George R. Mansfield, a scientist from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), used a map and an alidade telescope to demonstrate that the lights were actually trains, car headlights, and brush fires. This explanation put an end to the widespread public concern at the time.
However, there have been several scientific investigations into the Brown Mountain Lights, and various explanations have been proposed:
Refraction of Headlights: The U.S. Geological Survey suggested that the lights may be the result of the refraction of headlights on trains or automobiles in the valley.
Naturally Occurring Plasma: One hypothesis is that the lights are a form of naturally occurring plasma, created by the release of gases from the earth.
Geological Factors: Other theories suggest geological factors, such as quartz crystal disruptions or piezoelectric effects caused by tectonic strain.
Other Natural Phenomena: The lights have also been attributed to natural phenomena such as Will-o’-the-wisps, phosphorus, Andes light, chemical reactions, and radium emanations.
However, it’s important to note that while these explanations have been proposed, no entirely satisfactory scientific explanation has been offered. The Brown Mountain Lights remain a subject of ongoing research and speculation.
Folklore and Legends
Despite Mansfield’s findings and other various explanations, the legend of the Brown Mountain Lights continued to thrive. Storytellers told of pre-electrification histories of the lights. The lights are often described as hovering approximately 15 feet off the ground, appearing in various colors including blue, white, orange, and red. They are said to briefly hover in the air, vanish suddenly, and sometimes reappear moments later.
Other legends include:
Native American Folklore: One popular legend says that the lights are the spirits of grieving Cherokee Indian women searching for their men, who died in a battle on the mountain.
Murdered Mother and Child: Another story suggests that the lights are the ghosts of a murdered mother, Belinda, and her newborn child.
Revolutionary War Soldiers: Some believe that the lights are the lanterns of Revolutionary War soldiers.
These legends form an important part of the local culture and history. However, it’s important to note that these are folk tales and their factual accuracy may vary and are often hard to verify.
Viewing the Lights
The Brown Mountain Lights can be seen from several locations, including the Brown Mountain Overlook, Wiseman’s View Overlook, and Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook. However, there is no guarantee that the lights will appear on any given night. They are commonly seen around the time the Fall colors in North Carolina reach their peak, especially after it rains.
Brown Mountain Overlook: This overlook is located on NC Highway 181 between Morganton, NC, and Linville, NC. It was recently improved with help from the city of Morganton for the purpose of attracting those who visit the area to see the lights.
Wiseman’s View: Sitting 1500 feet above the Linville River in Pisgah National Forest, Wiseman’s View offers an incredible glimpse of North Carolina’s most spectacular mountain vistas.
Blue Ridge Parkway: The lights can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks at mileposts 310 (Brown Mountain Light overlook) and 301 (Green Mountain overlook).
Table Rock: Good sightings of the lights have been reported from the top of Table Rock, outside of Morganton, NC.
Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook: Lost Cove Cliffs is a popular hiking trail located near Newland, North Carolina. The trail is approximately 3.3 miles long and is considered moderately challenging. This overlook provides an excellent view that includes the Catawba Valley. On many evenings, pale orange lights seem to appear, move around, and then fade in the dark distance. This phenomenon can continue through the night. However, please note that sightings can vary and there is no guarantee that the lights will appear on any given night.
The best time of year to see the lights is reportedly September through early November. Please note that these are the most popular spots and times to view the lights, but sightings can vary and there are no guarantees.
Here is a short video collage of the lights.
Witnesses have described various feelings upon seeing the Brown Mountain Lights.
Eerie Feeling: Some witnesses have described the experience as eerie. The lights appear quickly, scatter, and are quite bright, which can create an unsettling atmosphere.
Fascination and Curiosity: Many people are fascinated and curious about the lights, which has led them to visit the area specifically to try and catch a glimpse of this phenomenon.
Fear and Uncertainty: Given the unexplained nature of the lights, some witnesses have reported feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Please note that these are individual experiences and feelings can vary greatly from person to person. There are also many who report feeling happy and uplifted at seeing the lights.
Conclusion
The Brown Mountain Lights continue to captivate locals and visitors alike. Whether they are a natural phenomenon, a trick of the light, or something more supernatural, they remain an enduring mystery and a fascinating feature of North Carolina’s cultural landscape.
Thanks
~Thomas~
This post by Thomas Marcum, Thomas is the founder/leader of the cryptozoology and paranormal research organization known as The Crypto Crew. Over 25 years of experience with research and investigation of unexplained activity, working with video and websites. A trained wild land firefighter, a published photographer, and a poet.
~Thomas~
This post by Thomas Marcum, Thomas is the founder/leader of the cryptozoology and paranormal research organization known as The Crypto Crew. Over 25 years of experience with research and investigation of unexplained activity, working with video and websites. A trained wild land firefighter, a published photographer, and a poet.
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