Skip to main content

Remembering That Time a Martian Crashed in Texas

Early in the morning on April 17th, 1897, something strange happened in the small town of Aurora. According to legend, and a Texas historical marker, a cigar-shaped airship fell from the sky, crashed through a windmill and exploded.

By Christopher Connelly, KERA News
Republish
Vendors at the conference marking a Martian's visit to Aurora sold a range of UFO-related books and paraphernalia. Makayla Smith, 17, was selling alien-faced cupcakes.
Credit: Christopher Connelly/KERA

Early in the morning on April 17th, 1897, something strange happened in the small town of Aurora. According to legend, and a Texas historical marker, a cigar-shaped airship fell from the sky, crashed through a windmill and exploded. 

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Christopher Connelly

KERA NEWS

Learn more about our publishing partners

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics