The Gurdon Light

The Gurdon ghost light is a phenomenon that has captivated both locals and visitors alike. Unlike some of the past hauntings in Arkansas, this ghost light continues to be witnessed today. It has appeared on television shows and been photographed by tourists, leading to its accepted existence. Documented by Unsolved Mysteries in 1994, the enigma lies not in its existence but in the true nature of the light.

A Local Legend

Local folklore attempts to explain the Gurdon Light, presenting various legends around it. Many tales tell of a ghostly railway worker, as the area remains active with train traffic. The light’s movement often resembles a railway worker carrying a lantern, evoking a haunting image.

One historically rooted legend involves a tragic incident from 1931 when William McClain, a foreman for the Missouri-Pacific railroad, was murdered by Louis McBride after a heated argument over work-related issues. As the story goes, McBride was accused of causing a train accident and, in retaliation, he killed McClain. Subsequently, McBride was executed on July 8, 1932. The Gurdon Light was first documented shortly after his execution in the 1930s, leading many to believe it is the spirit of McClain, forever wandering the tracks with a lantern.

Theories on the Legend

Conversely, locals share a more sensational theory about a railroad worker who tragically met his end in a train accident. According to this tale, he fell into the path of an oncoming train, and since then, his lantern has been observed searching the tracks for his severed head. Given the history of injuries among railway workers, such a story seems plausible.

To witness the Gurdon Light, one must embark on a two-and-a-half-mile hike toward the viewing area. Along the way, hikers will cross trestles before arriving at a slight incline of the tracks where the pale white-blue light occasionally appears. Often best seen on dark, overcast nights, this eerie light sways back and forth, adding to its mystique. A visit to the Roadside America map is recommended for guidance on this adventure.

Despite investigations by both Unsolved Mysteries and scientists, no definitive explanation for the light exists. However, several theories have been proposed:

• One leading hypothesis is that the light is merely a reflection of highway lights shining through the trees. Historians challenge this assertion, noting that local accounts of the light predate the existence of highways in the area.
• Research by a former graduate student highlighted the geographical challenges for headlights to effectively create the observable light.
• Another intriguing idea suggests that stress on quartz crystals beneath Gurdon generates electricity, resulting in the phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect, linked to the nearby New Madrid fault.

Where to Find the Light

Located about 75 miles south of Little Rock along Interstate 30, Gurdon, Arkansas, can be accessed easily. The light is situated outside the town along a stretch of railroad tracks, accessible through a hike that takes a couple of hours. Locals are familiar with the Gurdon Light, often referred to as the “ghost light bluffs,” so asking for directions at any gas station is advisable.

Having observed the light firsthand, I can attest to its peculiar nature. Rather than resembling a lantern, it manifests as a clearly defined moving light. Once curiosity strikes and you approach, the light appears to shift, making it an elusive sight. This site has become particularly popular among local youths during Halloween, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the Gurdon Light experience.