The Big Thicket Light
If you're driving along Old Bragg Road deep in Big Thicket in Texas, you may be lucky enough to see the Big Thicket light. Also known as the Saratoga Light, it has had regular reports for decades.
At first glance, you might be too distracted by the unique surroundings to be scared. During the day, Bragg Road is a humble two-lane dirt road snaking under the green canopy of the swamp. It almost feels like a place out of time. But when night falls, Bragg Road takes on a stranger and perhaps more sinister gleam.
Typically described as pumpkin-sized orbs, they float in the distance across the 7-mile stretch of road. Similar to will-o-wisps, they're usually white or light blue in color. You may try to chase them, on foot or in your car, but they are impossible to catch.
There are a range of explanations. Some believe they are the souls of those who perished on the road or working on the railroad. Other stories tell of beheadings, lost brides, and other deaths although none of those seem very concrete. The bride story seems to be one of the most popular. On the day of her wedding, a bride went out for a walk near Bragg Road and was never seen again and presumed dead. Her groom met a similar fate while searching for her through the night armed with a lantern. Some believe the orbs to be the two of them, never quite able to catch each other.
Others, of course, claim swamp gas (and Bragg Road is on a swamp so at least they’re justified). Or, the odd reflection of car lights in the puddles and waters of the swamp by the road.
The sightings were first popularized in the summer of 1960. The editor and publisher of the Kountze News, Archer Fullingim, was running front page stories speculating on what the light could be. He had heard reports coming in for the paper, in his personal life, and around town and wanted to get to the bottom of it. Eventually, these stories were picked up by bigger Texas papers and beyond.
Thanks to JD Davenport for this blogstonishing suggestion!
The blog header image depicts Cypress slough habitat, Big Thicket National Preserve, Turkey Creek Unit, Hardin Co. Texas. Taken by William L. Farr. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
