Flatwoods Monster Sightings in West Virginia
The Flatwoods Monster (also known as the Braxton County Monster, "Braxie," or the Phantom of Flatwoods) is a famous alleged extraterrestrial entity from a single major incident in 1952. Described as a 10-12 foot tall figure with a spade-shaped hood or "head," glowing orange-red eyes, a metallic body or skirt-like lower half, and clawed arms, it emitted a hissing sound and a sickly, metallic odor that made witnesses ill.
Primary Sighting Location and Event
The iconic encounter occurred on September 12, 1952, on the Fisher Farm (a hilltop property) near Flatwoods in Braxton County, West Virginia. A group of boys playing football saw a bright fiery object streak across the sky and land on the hill. Accompanied by Kathleen May (mother of two boys), National Guardsman Eugene Lemon, and others (plus a dog), they investigated. They reported seeing the towering creature under a tree, with a pulsing red light nearby. The group fled in terror; some became nauseous from the odor.
The site is on private property—do not trespass. A bright meteor was observed that night across multiple states, and skeptics suggest the "monster" was a startled barn owl combined with hysteria and the meteor's glow.
Other Related 1952 Reports
- The day after (September 13), a couple (George and Edith Snitowsky) near Strange Creek (about 20 miles south, along Route 4) reported their car dying as a foul odor filled it, then seeing a similar entity.
- Isolated similar descriptions from areas like Frametown (sometimes called the "Frametown Monster") and Heaters.
No credible sightings have been reported since the 1950s, including none in 2024 or 2025.Modern Status and Tourism
The legend thrives as a cultural icon in central West Virginia. Visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton (Braxton County seat, at 208 Main Street)—free admission, with artifacts, original drawings, memorabilia, and souvenirs.
Flatwoods has giant monster-shaped chairs scattered around town for photo ops (snap all five for a reward sticker). The area also ties into broader WV cryptid lore, near Bigfoot reports and not far from Mothman territory. If you're into paranormal tourism, it's a quirky, welcoming stop!
