Near Marfa in Presidio County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Marfa Lights

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, June 11, 2025

1. Marfa Lights Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3208.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 30° 16.536′ N, 103° 52.927′ W. Marker is near Marfa, Texas, in Presidio County. It is on U.S. 90, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marfa TX 79843, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Marfa Army Air Field (here, next to this marker); Marfa Mystery Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Paisano Pass (approx. 3.9 miles away); Marfa Stockyards (approx. 7.6 miles away);

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Presidio County (approx. 7.8 miles away); Presidio (approx. 7.8 miles away); Blackwell School (approx. 8.6 miles away); Humphris-Humphreys House (approx. 8.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marfa.

Photographed by Richard Denney, December 23, 2009

2. Marfa Lights Marker

Panorama of surrounding area where lights appear image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Denney

3. Panorama of surrounding area where lights appear

Marfa Lights marker (right) and Marfa Army Airfield marker (left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Denney, December 23, 2009

4. Marfa Lights marker (right) and Marfa Army Airfield marker (left)

Marfa lights viewing area in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,510 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 15, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.