Back to Events
Brown Mountain Lights
Cherokee legends speak of maiden spirits searching for warriors killed in battle. The lights have appeared for 800 years. Scientific expeditions have failed to explain them. They rise, move, and vanish over the mountain. Congress investigated. Mystery remains.
1200 - Present
Morganton, North Carolina, USA
100000+ witnesses
The Brown Mountain Lights are America’s oldest documented light mystery.
Ancient History
Cherokee legends:
- 800+ years old
- Battle on mountain
- Maidens searching
- For fallen warriors
- Lights are spirits
The Lights
Characteristics:
- Various colors
- Rise from mountain
- Float and hover
- Move laterally
- Vanish suddenly
US Geological Survey
1922 study:
- Congressional request
- Team sent
- Observed lights
- Could not explain
- Report filed
Theories Tested
Ruled out:
- Train lights (no tracks)
- Car lights (pre-cars)
- Moonshiners (wrong behavior)
- Foxfire (wrong appearance)
- Still unknown
Best Viewing
Where to see:
- Wiseman’s View
- Lost Cove overlook
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Clear nights best
- Fall optimal
Cultural Impact
Legacy:
- Songs written
- Scotty Wiseman
- X-Files episode
- Tourism draw
- Local pride