Stonehenge Memorial
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March 2006: A visit to the Stonehenge Memorial |
The Stonehenge Memorial was completed by Sam Hill in 1930 to honor local soldiers who died fighting in World War I. The memorial sits atop a bluff, overlooking the Columbia River north of The Dalles, OR. |
The memorial is a full-scale replica of the original Stonehenge structure, as it would have originally looked. |
In 1930, the original Stonehenge was thought to have been a location where sacrifices took place. Thus, the symbolism of this Stonehenge was intended to remind one of the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial plaque reads: "In memory of the soldiers and sailors 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 alone can quench." |
The memorial is run by the Maryhill Museum - the legacy of Sam Hill's estate. There is no fee to visit the Stonehenge memorial. |
This is one of the many plaques along the pillars for individual soldiers. |
Sam Hill's tomb is located just a short walk from the Stonehenge memorial. Sam Hill (1857-1931) was a wealthy lawyer and businessman with diverse interests too numerous to easily summarize. |
Where is it? The Stonehenge memorial is located just east of the intersection of Hwys 14 and 97, on the northern (Washington) side of the Columbia River. |
Before you go... There really isn't anything to worry about - it gets quite hot in the summer, and can be icy/snowy in the winter. In any season, just have a good visit! |
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