The Memphis Cemetery, situated south of Memphis, Michigan, is home to a truly puzzling monument marking the grave sites of the Miller family. At the back corner of the grounds rests an enormous, 2,800-pound black marble sphere set atop a granite pedestal. Erected following Eli Miller’s death in 1903, the monument quickly captured local attention when the massive sphere began to inexplicably turn on its base. This mysterious rotation earned it the enduring local nickname: the “Witch’s Ball.” The physical evidence of this movement is visible in a circle of rough marble on the sphere’s surface; this unpolished area was originally the base when the monument was placed, facing down. Over the years, it has moved significantly upward, demonstrating the complete, unassisted turning of the heavy stone.
The rotation of this 2,800-pound mass defies simple explanation. It is certainly too heavy to be manually pushed or rotated by individuals. While environmental factors, such as freeze-thaw cycles, are often posited for similar phenomena, experts largely discount them as the cause of such substantial and sustained movement in this specific case. Despite decades of observation, no definitive, scientific reason has been established for how the sphere manages to slowly rotate on its pedestal, cementing its status as a genuine local mystery. This persistent enigma is the foundation of the supernatural lore surrounding the monument.
The unsolved movement has naturally fostered a host of local beliefs and superstitions surrounding the Witch’s Ball. Some people claim the sphere holds mystical powers, suggesting that looking into its polished surface may reveal apparitions and spirits reflected back at the viewer. Others have reported hearing strange, unexplained noises emanating from the woods directly behind the cemetery. Though I personally found the cemetery beautiful and quiet during my own visit, filled with ornate old headstones, the enduring legend of the rotating marble sphere ensures that it remains one of the most fascinating and discussed sites in the region. Visitors are, however, always reminded to remain respectful and adhere to all cemetery regulations.
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