The Tiny Town in Mississippi With a Terribly Creepy Past

When thinking about small towns in Mississippi, creepy is probably the last word that comes to mind. In fact, my idea of a small Mississippi town is a close-knit community where neighbors wave, and folks gather to share stories of bygone years. The kind of place where the vibe is slow and Friday nights are all about football or fish fries. The easy pace is nostalgic, warm, and always feels like home - well, at least to me.  

Of course, each town has its own character, some more vibrant than others. And you might think so once you hear about the strange event that took place decades ago in Flora, a tiny town in Mississippi. If you’re interested in hearing about a creepy historical event that will make your hair stand up, read on for more. This bone-chilling tale in Mississippi is not your everyday folklore…don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Get to Know Flora, MS

Tucked away in Madison County, Flora, Mississippi, is a tiny town with just under 2,000 residents. Main Street is lined with adorable boutiques, restaurants, sweet shops, and mom-and-pop businesses. It's a quiet community marching to its own pace, with lots of friendly folks. It's a good destination spot for those who prefer peace and quiet, but it's also hiding a secret that you might not believe.

Though most known as the home of Mississippi’s Petrified Forest, the remote community has another distinguishing trait - it's the site of one of the most famous UFO sightings in the world. It was a bizarre, jarring event that would not soon leave the minds of those who were there.

Discover the Mysterious Past of This Small Mississippi Town

The peculiar event, which took place on the night of February 10, 1977, was witnessed by nearly two dozen police officers as well as several locals. Witnesses described seeing a "giant floating object" just above the tree line in a local cotton field. The UFO (or UAP as they're called today) hovered nearly 20’ off the ground for about 45 minutes before moving.

According to records, police officers followed the object until it disappeared behind the tree line. The UFO was described as being "blue in color, kind of metallic blue, portholes around the center of it, shaped like an old spinning top kids used to use." Following the event, several witnesses recounted the eerie ordeal in the local newspaper.

One of the witnesses was Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenny Creel. It’s said his description of the strange event made it "world famous," garnering attention from national media. He was considered highly credible, and his testimony was part of what rocketed the story to the mainstream. Some witnesses chose to remain quiet, which many believe was a forced choice.

One witness, who requested to stay anonymous, believes the CIA told others to stop talking about the Flora UFO sighting. Since that night in 1977, witness Pat Frascogna has been conducting research and gathering evidence, hoping to determine if the objects were terrestrial or not. While investigating, he stumbled upon something strange deep in the woods - two patches of earth where plants no longer grow. About 15’ in diameter, each patch is circular and completely devoid of plant life.

The fact that the UFO was initially spotted by credible witnesses in law enforcement makes the entire ordeal much more believable and, in turn, more frightening. And perhaps creepiest of all, folks are still seeing these things: "People are still seeing UFOs around Flora," he continued, "…the sightings are a town secret."

I don't know about you, but I believe the eyewitnesses, especially since many have not let the story fade away. This mysterious tale is now part of the town's chilling history, which, if you ask me, gives Flora more character. I am curious to learn more about this event and look forward to any new evidence that they uncover in the future.

So, did you know about this strange event in this tiny town in Mississippi? Have something to add? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share them on our nomination page.

Flora isn't the only place for mysterious phenomena. Learn about another creepy town in Mississippi that's sure to chill you to your core. And if you can't get enough of the strange and unusual in the Magnolia State, you might want to use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more terrifying destinations. If you think you're up for a road trip to Flora, Mississippi, to experience the town for yourself, don't forget to read our ultimate road trip packing list. It will make planning your trip a breeze!

*Please note: Images are just for illustration purposes.