
White River Monster
Also known as: Whitey
An enormous gray creature that churned the White River and earned state legal protection.
1915
White River, Newport, Arkansas, USA
Boxcar-length (est. 20-30 ft)
Docile, avoidant
Legally protected
The Lore
The White River Monster is a large aquatic animal reported in the White River near Newport, Arkansas. First spotted in 1915, it gained major attention in 1937 when plantation owner Bramlett Bateman reported a creature the length of a boxcar with gray, elephant-like skin. Sightings surged again in 1971, prompting the Arkansas state legislature to create a resolution establishing the White River Monster Refuge, making it illegal to harm the creature.
Body Type
Folklore Origin
Notable Witnesses
- Bramlett Bateman
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