Brown Mountain lights
EXPLAINED
In 1913 the Charlotte Observer reported lights rising over Brown Mountain in the Blue Ridge, during the years when electric lighting and railways were reaching the area. Two U.S. Geological Survey investigations followed. Legends of lights "seen by the Cherokee" were added later. The lights are still watched from roadside overlooks.
Explanation
In 1922, U.S. Geological Survey geologist George R. Mansfield used maps and an alidade to show the lights were train headlights, car headlights and brush fires in the valleys beyond the ridge. A 1913 USGS look had already pointed to locomotive headlights.
What was seen
Shape: Lights rising above the ridge
Witnesses: Visitors to overlooks such as Wiseman's View
Duration: Recurring
Browse
- United States
- 1910s
- Explained
- Recurring lights
- Official government documents
- Many independent witnesses
- Lights and fireballs