In the quaint town of Gurdon, Arkansas, a nighttime display, known as the Gurdon Light, has captured the curiosity of both locals and outsiders for years. Situated along an old section of the railroad tracks, this mysterious Gurdon Light phenomenon has not only become a cornerstone of local folklore but also a subject of intense debate on online platforms like Reddit.
July 8 – Gurdon Lights! On this date in 1932, Louis McBride was executed for murder by electrocution
by u/WithinMist in Ghosts
One notable account comes from Reddit user WithinMist, who shared a photograph believed to showcase this eerie phenomenon in all its elusive glory. But WithinMist isn’t alone. Many have ventured to these very railroad tracks, drawn by the tales and hoping to witness the Gurdon Light firsthand. A fellow Redditor reminisced about a 2001 adventure, detailing how the light intriguingly vanished as they moved closer, only to reappear when they retreated.
The legends surrounding the mysterious Gurdon Light phenomenon are as compelling as the light itself. One popular tale narrates the story of a decapitated railroad worker, forever roaming the tracks with his lantern, searching for his severed head. Another lore focuses on William McClain, a railroad foreman. It’s said that after a violent altercation led to his demise in the 1930s, his spirit took to wandering the tracks, lantern in hand, casting the now-famous Gurdon Light.
But not all are convinced by the supernatural explanations. Scientific theories have tried to demystify the phenomenon. Some believe that the illumination might be a result of swamp gas emissions, known to produce phosphorescent glows under certain conditions. Meanwhile, others point towards the piezoelectric effect—where the area’s abundant quartz crystals, when subjected to stress, could emit a captivating glow.
Regardless of its origin, the Gurdon Light remains one of Arkansas’s most intriguing mysteries, drawing curiosity seekers and enthusiasts to the town of Gurdon, all in the hope of experiencing this nighttime display for themselves.
