American Stonehenge

Yesterday we visited the not-so-famous Stonehenge near Maryhill State Park.  It was built as a memorial to the young men who lost their lives fighting World War I.  It was raining while we were there and we were the only ones visiting at that time. 

Stonehenge Memorial

This Stonehenge, an almost identical copy of the more famous English Stonehenge, was built by Sam Hill, a road builder.  Dedicated in 1918, the memorial wasn’t completed until 1930. Hill passed away soon after he finally saw his masterpiece completed.

The dedication plaque on this American Stonehenge reads:

"In memory of the soldiers of Klickitat County who gave their lives in defense of their country.  This monument is erected in the hope that others inspired by the example of their valor and their heroism may share in that love of liberty and burn with that fire of patriotism which death can alone quench."

      

Some of the memorial plaques

From Stonehenge, we had an excellent view looking south across the Columbia River to Oregon.  The bridge at the far right is the bridge at Biggs Junction which we crossed to get to Maryhill.  A closer view of the bridge, looking over the trees of Maryhill State Park and the nearby orchards.  The view to the north of Stonehenge

Sam Hill’s American Stonehenge, as well as his mansion, are now part of the Maryhill Museum of Art.  Tomorrow I will post pictures of the mansion and the gardens of the Maryhill Museum.