POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (WVDN) Each September, the quiet streets of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, come alive with thousands of visitors drawn by a legend that has haunted the town for nearly six decades: “the Mothman.”
The Mothman legend began on a chilly night in November 1966, when two young couples reported seeing a red-eyed, winged creature near the old TNT area, a former World War II munitions site on the outskirts of town. Their account, quickly picked up by local newspapers, sparked a wave of similar sightings and set off a frenzy of speculation, fear, and fascination that would ripple through the community for years to come.
The creature, described as standing over six feet tall with glowing red eyes and massive wings, was soon dubbed the “Mothman.” Over the following
year, dozens of residents claimed to have encountered the mysterious figure, often in the same remote area. The sightings reached a fever pitch in December 1967, when tragedy struck. The Silver Bridge, which connected Point Pleasant to Gallipolis, Ohio, collapsed during rush hour, killing 46 people.
Many locals, already on edge from the Mothman reports, linked the disaster to the creature, cementing its place in West Virginia folklore. Today, the Mothman legend is more than just a ghost story; it is the heart of an annual celebration that draws visitors from around the world.
The Mothman Festival, held every third weekend in September, transforms Point Pleasant into a hub of paranormal enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a taste of small-town Americana with a supernatural twist. The festival is a way for the community to come together and celebrate the town’s unique history. It’s a festival that honors the tragic past while also having fun and welcoming people from all walks of life.
The event features a packed schedule of activities, including guest speakers, many of whom are often paranormal professionals and cryptid researchers who do presentations on topics ranging from the Mothman and other legendary creatures, such as Bigfoot, UFO sightings, and other unexplained phenomena. Vendors line the streets, offering everything from Mothman-themed merchandise to local crafts and food. Live music, hayrides, and the popular Mothman 5K race add to the festive atmosphere.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the world’s only Mothman Museum, which chronicles the history and mystery of the creatures’ famed sightings.
The museum houses original newspaper clippings, eyewitness accounts, and artfacts from the era, providing visitors with a deep dive into the legend’s origins and its impact on the community. Organizers recommend visiting the museum on Friday before the festival officially begins to avoid long lines.
No trip to Point Pleasant is complete without a photo with the famous Mothman statue, a towering steel sculpture that has become an icon of the town. Often referred to as a must-see for anyone traveling through the area. The festival also features unique attractions like the Ghostbusters booth, where volunteers dressed as the iconic movie characters raise money for local children’s charities. Adding to the Mothman mystique, a local resident dons a Mothman costume each year, mingling with festivalgoers and keeping the legend alive. Attendees are also encouraged to keep an eye out for “Men in Black,” a nod to the mysterious figures often associated with UFO lore.
For families, the festival offers face painting, games, the popular hillbilly zip line, and more. The event is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy the festivities. Point Pleasant itself is a town steeped in history, with a population of just around 5,000. Its main street, lined with mom-and-pop shops, vintage eateries, and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The town’s riverfront amphitheater, state park, and murals add to its charm, making it a destination worth visiting even outside of festival season.
While Mothman sightings are rare in modern times, the legend continues to cast a long shadow over Point Pleasant. For many, the festival is a chance to embrace the unknown, celebrate community, and keep the story alive for future generations. As the sun sets over the Ohio River and the streets fill with laughter, costumes, and the occasional flap of wings, one thing is clear: in Point Pleasant, the Mothman is more than a myth; it’s a symbol of resilience, curiosity, and the enduring power of a legend.
