The legend of Maco Light

This month, our Cape Fear Pride series takes us to Brunswick County.

Tonight, we take a look at the town of Northwest, and the spirit some residents say still haunts the town.

When night falls in Maco, one part of town, many wonder if they will see a faint light in the distance.

It’s called the Maco Light, story that has been the talk of the town since the 1800s.

The tale of the Maco Light begins with Joe Baldwin, a train conductor who used to travel to and from Wilmington on the Old Atlantic Coast Railroad.

Legend has it, Baldwin was involved in a horrific accident. The caboose detached from his train leaving Baldwin in the path of an on-coming locomotive.

As a warning, Baldwin began waving his lantern frantically. The train never stopped slamming into the stranded caboose. Baldwin’s body was found headless, and that’s why some residents believe Joe Baldwin’s light has never dimmed.

Now, just a few yards from where the infamous train tracks once laid, the Maco Depot is themed after Joe’s legend.

Maco Depot employee Stephanie Ganey said, “We are wearing the conductor hats to honor his memory and maybe put him at rest. Maybe he can go on with his life.”

Employees say they’ve had their own encounters with the spirit of Joe.

Though sightings of Joe’s Light have faded, you can still find plenty of believers.

The Brown’s also live close by where the train once traveled. Their opinion of Baldwin’s legend lies on both sides of the track.

Temaly Brown said, “I’ve never actually seen but I’ve always heard stories about people coming to see the light, but I ain’t going back there.”

Aaron brown has told the story many times to people who stop by hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Maco Light. “People from Wilmington have come out here, I’ve taken them all through there. People from Raleigh, I’ve taken back all through there at night.”

Aaron is much braver than Temaly. She said living so close to where the Maco Light legend originated is already a test of faith. Hoping to spot the light is something she can pass on. “I don’t like the dark too much anyway, so I ain’t going back there to find out.”