The Paulding light is an enigmatic phenomenon visited
by countless inquiring folks. The light, which can be seen nearly every
night after dark, has been a subject of Those who journey to the Watersmeet area to see the legendary light will see the often described “bright star” ascend slowly out of the rich Michigan woods and then linger low in the sky. Some have seen it drift for a few moments while others have reported appearances over 15 minutes long. As it floats, the color of the light evolves from orange fire-like hues to bright whites and blues. Its size changes as well, from a small flickering spark to a large ball of blinding light that seems to travel closer to observers. There are a variety of theories surrounding the source of the light, ranging from scientific to historic to religious. Seismologists say the light has to do with earth crust that was condensed by glaciers ages ago trying to expand and therefore allowing incandescent gases to squeeze through the cracks. Other theorists describe three tragedies that supposedly have occurred near the location of the light – they say the light could be a ghost of a victim of one of these tragedies. The first involves a railroad switchman who was caught between two train cars while trying to signal the trains engineer with his lantern. The second is that an engineer was murdered near the sight of the light and the third is that a mail carrier, along with his sled dogs, was murdered in that area over a century ago. Then there are the religious theorists who believe the light is a spiritual sign of some sort. The theories are innumerable, but it is that mystery that has lured people of all ages from all over to the Paulding Light since it's first recorded sighting in 1966 (although many eyewitnesses have claimed to have seen it long before that). For those who dare to embark on this unsolved mystery, Drive north from Watersmeet on U.S. 45 for about four miles toward the
tiny village of Paulding. Turn left onto Robbins Pond Road. You will
travel this road for a little less than a mile and then come upon a dead
end. In the summer months a National Park Service sign is usually posted
there.
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