Grafton's Headless Horror: The Legend of the Grafton Monster
Grafton, West Virginia, is home to a legendary creature that has captivated locals and visitors alike for decades. Known as the Grafton Monster, this headless figure has been spotted numerous times since 1964, sparking curiosity and fear among those who have encountered it.
The tale began in 1964 when local reporter Robert Cockrell stumbled upon a massive, headless creature along a road near Grafton. He described the creature in detail, noting its size - between seven and nine feet tall and roughly four feet wide - and its smooth, seal-like skin that glistened in the moonlight. Cockrell's sighting was the first of many, with over a hundred locals, including teenagers and adults, reporting similar encounters. The creature became known as the 'Beast of Grafton' or simply the 'Grafton Monster'.
Despite the numerous sightings, local authorities have never seriously investigated the phenomenon. Some researchers have speculated that the creature could be extraterrestrial or interdimensional, given its elusive nature and the lack of concrete evidence. Cockrell himself returned to the scene with friends to search for the creature but found only mashed-down brush and an eerie whistling. The Grafton Monster has since become a part of local lore, joining other West Virginia cryptids like the Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster.
Today, Grafton celebrates its most famous cryptid with the annual Grafton Monster Festival, drawing enthusiasts and tourists from across the country. While the true nature of the Grafton Monster remains unknown, its legacy continues to intrigue and fascinate those who call Grafton home and those who visit in search of a glimpse of the mysterious headless figure.
