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| Gurdon, AR, USA (Gurdon, Arkansas)
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| Information |
The Gurdon Light
One of the best-known phenomena in the state of Arkansas happens in this location. The Gurdon Light has fascinated people for years and baffled experts as to its possible cause. In this section of railroad tracks between Highway 53 and the interchange of Sticky Road and Highway 30, a strange light appears on or near the tracks, which does not seem to have a normal source or cause. It has been said to resemble that of a lantern and it swings from side to side, frequently changing size and colors and disappears only to reappear seconds later.
Ghost of William McClain?
The most popular legend behind the light involves a murder that took place on these railroad tracks. In December 1931, Louis McBride approached his foreman Will McClain regarding getting more hours. They worked for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad during the Great Depression. At the time, the company was limited on how many days they could allow their employees to work. The argument got heated and McBride hit McClain over the head and knocked him down. He then killed him with either a spike hammer or spike maul. The story goes that the murder took place nearby on this line of tracks and that the light would be spotted for the first time shortly thereafter. The light is believed to be the burning of McClain's lantern as he walks the tracks; some say looking for his severed head.
National Attention
The Gurdon Light has attracted the attention of several popular television shows over the years and has been featured on Unsolved Mysteries and Real Scary Stories, as well as been covered in several books on ghosts and hauntings.
Searching for Gurdon's Light
If you feel the need to search for the light, the recommended approach is to walk in from Highway 53 and head west on the tracks. Highway 53 does come near a pair of railroad tracks in the town of Gurdon, but this section of tracks lies northwest of the town after the highway branches off from Elm Street. There is an open patch on the southeast side of the intersection of the tracks and highway that is typically used for parking. The best time to view the light is on a night on or around a new moon so that there is absolute darkness. Bring some flashlights and some extra batteries just to be safe and prepare for a long hike. The terrain is rough and there could be some critters around so take care where you walk. It is an active line of railroad track, so stay alert to any oncoming trains, though it is said they are fairly rare. As always, be respectful of the property and the nearby residents. |
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| Related Sites |
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Gurdon Light
The Encyclopedia of Arkansas' entry on the mysterious Gurdon Light that appears on a line of railroad tracks in Gurdon, Arkansas. |
The Curiosity Shop: Gurdon Light
A site dedicated to anyone interested in searching for the mysterious Gurdon Light in Arkansas. |
Prarie Ghosts: The Gurdon Light
Prairie Ghosts' entry on the mysterious Gurdon Light that appears on a line of railroad tracks in Gurdon, Arkansas. |
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| Similar Destinations |
| Las Vegas, Nevada |
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| See Also on TheCabinet.com |
| Dark Destinations in the News (11/1/07) |
| Blog: The Ghost Light of Gurdon (09/24/08) |
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| Available from Amazon.com |
Haunted Places in the American South |
Haunted Places: The National Directory: Ghostly Abodes, Sacred Sites, UFO Landings and Other Supernatural Locations |
Ghost Hunters of the South |
More Haunted Houses |
An Arkansas Folklore Sourcebook |
Free Tours, Museums and Sites in America (Southern States Series) |
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