Mysterious woman in black identified

A mysterious woman in black who attracted nationwide attention in the US for apparently walking across the country in silence has been identified.

Elizabeth Poles, 54, gained viral fame because of her constant walking, not speaking to anyone.

She had been unidentified during her three week trek but was witnessed by thousands clothed in black robes and using a stick as a cane.

But after she was taken into custody for her own safety after a crowd of more than a hundred people gathered around her in West Virginia.

She was given food and water and was in a good condition, police captain Doug Watson told ABC News.

"I spoke with her and she was very articulate and very appreciative of our help," he said.

"She just said: ‘I wish people would mind their own business'."

Ms Poles said she was on a mission "that has something to do with faith and religion".

Her brother has now come forward to answer some questions about her.

He revealed she was a military veteran and a widower, and has been living in Winchester, West Virginia.

"Then one Sunday, when my wife and I picked her up, she shaved her head," he said.

"She was asking me, 'Where can I buy those long black robes?'."

Police said Ms Poles intends to stay in West Virginia, but has in the last few weeks been spotted walking along highways in Georgia, Ohio and Kentucky as well as West Virginia.