The Flatwoods Monster Encounter

On the evening of September 12, 1952, residents of Flatwoods, West Virginia witnessed a bright object streak across the sky and appear to land on a nearby hillside. When a group investigated, they encountered a terrifying creature that has become one of America’s most famous monster sightings.

The Witnesses

The group included:

• Kathleen May (adult)
• Her sons Eddie and Fred
• Neil Nunley
• Gene Lemon (National Guard)
• Ronald Shaver
• Tommy Hyer

The Light

That evening:

• Bright object seen
• Crossed the sky
• Appeared to land
• On Fisher farm hill
• Boys saw it first

The Investigation

The group:

• Climbed the hill
• Lemon’s dog ran ahead
• Strange mist encountered
• Pungent smell noted
• Dog fled in terror

The Creature

They described:

• Ten feet tall
• Glowing face/eyes
• Spade-shaped head
• Metallic or dark body
• Claw-like hands
• Hovering motion

The Eyes

Most terrifying feature:

• Glowing orange-red
• Internally lit
• Fixed stare
• Paralyzed witnesses
• Unforgettable sight

The Reaction

When creature moved:

• Hissing sound
• Glided toward them
• Group fled in terror
• Ran down hill
• Called authorities

Physical Effects

Witnesses experienced:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Throat irritation
• Swelling symptoms
• Lasted for days
• Similar to exposure

The Sheriff’s Investigation

Sheriff Carr:

• Investigated that night
• Found strange odor
• Skid marks on ground
• Oil-like substance
• No creature found

Media Attention

The story:

• Made national news
• Reporters descended
• Investigators arrived
• Town overwhelmed
• Witnesses stood firm

The Smell

All witnesses noted:

• Metallic odor
• Sulfur-like
• Nauseating
• Lingered in area
• Caused physical reaction

Later Research

Investigators found:

• Consistent testimonies
• Physical evidence traces
• Similar sightings reported
• No conventional explanation
• Genuine unknown

Significance

The Flatwoods Monster is significant for:

• Multiple witnesses
• Physical effects documented
• Associated with UFO
• Consistent descriptions
• Lasting mystery

Legacy

The Flatwoods Monster has become an icon of American folklore and cryptozoology. The town of Flatwoods has embraced its strange heritage, with the creature becoming a symbol of the unexplained that continues to fascinate researchers.