The Flatwoods Monster
On the evening of 12 September 1952, a bright object crossed the sky and appeared to land on a hilltop near Flatwoods in Braxton County, West Virginia. A small group walked up to find it. They reported a towering figure with a glowing red face. The case became one of the best known close encounters in American folklore.
The night of 12 September 1952
Edward and Fred May see a bright object cross the sky and land on the Fisher farm at 7:15pm.
Kathleen May joins a group of seven who set out to find it, including Eugene Lemon.
A flashlight reveals a tall figure with a spade shaped head and a glowing red face.
The group flees. Several report nausea and irritated throats through the night.
Investigators note a meteor seen across three states that evening as the natural trigger.
LOADING COORDINATES...
"It was a great ball of fire, and the face was the worst part. It just glowed.
"From witness accounts gathered after the sighting
Location
Flatwoods, Braxton County, West Virginia.
Date and time
12 September 1952, about 7 15 pm.
Witnesses
Seven, ranging from young children to an adult.
Reported height
Around 10 feet tall, with a spade shaped head.
Leading natural theory
A meteor for the light, a barn owl for the figure.