The Sacramento UFO Flap
The Sacramento UFO Flap refers to a series of mysterious airship sightings that began in November 1896 over Sacramento, California, and subsequently spread to other parts of the United States. These events are among the earliest recorded instances of mass unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings in American history.en.wikipedia.org+2weirdhistorian.com+2facebook.com+2
Initial Sightings in Sacramento:
November 17, 1896: Several Sacramento residents reported observing a strange flying light moving slowly across the sky at an estimated elevation of 1,000 feet. Witnesses described a bright light with a vague, dark shape behind it. Some claimed to hear voices issuing commands to increase elevation to avoid obstacles. en.wikipedia.org
November 22, 1896: The mysterious light reappeared over Sacramento, witnessed by the deputy sheriff and district attorney, among others. Descriptions noted the light as being twice as bright as a typical arc light or locomotive headlamp. en.wikipedia.org
Spread of Sightings:
Following the initial reports in Sacramento, similar sightings were documented in various California cities, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Tulare. Witnesses described the airship as having bright lights and moving at speeds estimated around 20 miles per hour. weirdhistorian.com+1kqed.org+1
Public and Media Reaction:
The airship sightings captivated public attention and were extensively covered by newspapers. Reports varied, with some suggesting the involvement of a secret inventor testing a new flying machine, while others speculated about extraterrestrial origins. The lack of concrete evidence or official explanations led to widespread speculation and debate. en.wikipedia.orgkqed.org
Legacy:
The 1896–1897 airship sightings remain a topic of interest among historians and UFO enthusiasts. They highlight the societal fascination with aviation and the unknown during a time when human flight was still in its infancy. The events also underscore the role of media in shaping public perception of unexplained phenomena.