FLATWOODS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Today marks the anniversary of one of West Virginia’s most bizarre and enduring legends: the sighting of the Braxton County, or Flatwoods Monster.
On the evening of September 12, 1952, a group of local boys playing football near Flatwoods witnessed a mysterious fireball streak across the sky.
Intrigued, they ventured to investigate the strange occurrence, accompanied by local beautician Kathleen May.
The group—comprising Mrs. May, Eugene Lemon, Teddy May, Ronald Shaver, Neal Nunley, Teddy Neal, and Tommy Hyer—climbed the hillside where the fireball had fallen.
As they neared the top, they reported seeing a pulsating light and then noticed two powerful beams of light in the darkness to their left.
When they directed their flashlight in that direction, they were stunned to see a massive, man-like figure, standing about 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
The creature floated silently toward them, its red face glowing and green robes hanging in loose folds below the waist.
Its head was spade-shaped, and an overwhelming metallic odor filled the air.
Terrified, the group fled the scene. A subsequent investigation revealed only the lingering odor, two skid marks, and trampled grass where the creature had been seen.
Though the Flatwoods Monster was never seen again, its legend has lived on. In 2002, Flatwoods celebrated the 50th anniversary of the sighting with a community festival.
Today, an annual convention continues to draw fans of the story, alongside other West Virginia folklore figures like Mothman and Batboy.
A museum dedicated to the Flatwoods Monster now stands on Main Street in Sutton, preserving the legacy of one of the state’s most famous mysteries.
