Details for Marfa Lights

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5377003208

Data

Marker Number 3208
Atlas Number 5377003208
Marker Title Marfa Lights
Index Entry Marfa Lights
Address
City Marfa vicinity
County Presidio
UTM Zone 13
UTM Easting 607290
UTM Northing 3350015
Subject Codes scientific topics
Marker Year 1988
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location 5 mile E of Marfa along US 67/90
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text The Marfa Lights, mysterious and unexplained lights that have been reported in the area for over one hundred years, have been the subject of many theories. The first recorded sighting of the lights was by rancher Robert Ellison in 1883. Variously explained as campfires, phosphorescent minerals, swamp gas, static electricity, St. Elmo's fire, and "ghost lights", the lights reportedly change colors, move about, and change in intensity. Scholars have reported over seventy-five local folk tales dealing with the unexplained phenomenon. (1988)

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