Hornet Spooklight
What is the spooklight?
The history of the spooklight goes back over 100 years. Documented history shows that there have been sightings dating back to post civil war 1881. The Spook Light, often referred to as the Joplin Spook Light or the Tri-State Spook Light, is actually in Oklahoma near the small town of Quapaw . However, it can only be seen from the east, which is why it has been linked to the tiny community of Hornet, Missouri and the larger better known town of Joplin. Many legends surround the topic of the light ranging from a ghost miner searching for his lost family with a lantern, to a decapitated Osage Indian Warrior searching for his head, to a story of two Indian lovers from different tribes who committed suicide by jumping into the Spring River. There have been hundreds of researchers over the years who have tried to prove or explain naturally what is causing the light to appear. Theories have ranged from reflecting lights from I-44 to swamp gas, to electromagnetivity caused by tectonic plates. All of these theories however have major flaws and therefore haven't become the official explanation. Around World War II the Army Corps of Engineers studied the area for several weeks and finally left baffled. Since then there have been numerous University sponsored teams, ghost hunters, and avid phenomenon chasers who have done in depth studies of the light and its surroundings.
Many people when describing the light have said that it tends to grow to the size of a basketball, then bob and weave along the dirt road, bouncing along as it pleases. Some reports involve the light changing colors from red to a deep blueish green. Many reports say then when a person has tried to approach the light it either gets farther away, or completely disappears all together. A number of reports deal with light coming very close to vehicles but very rarely, if ever actually coming inside a vehicle, especially with the windows closed. There have never been any reports of anyone being injured from the spooklight, mostly just people are startled or “freaked out.” Legend tells that you can only see the light by facing the west from the east. I however can personally say I have seen it facing the east from the west on the “newer” Spooklight road. According to the locals, the best time to view the spook light is between the hours of 10 PM. and Midnight and tends to stay away from large groups and loud noises.
Mwhaha. I'm pretty excited about this. I'm not sure if I'm a believer, but I hope I get to see something! A couple friends and I are going to see this spooklight tomorrow night. I'm a little nervous but that's just because things like that give me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately I also happen to like a good fright here and there. I stress myself out sometimes. Anyway, wish me luck and pray that I don't get swallowed by a big blob of light! :D