Stonehenge at Maryhill, Washington is the first World War I war memorial erected in the United States. It’s also the first U.S. replica of Stonehenge. The builder, Sam Hill, believed that the original Stonehenge had been used as a sacrificial site and wanted to remind visitors that "humanity is still being sacrificed to the god of war."
It is located on a bluff high above the Columbia River near Biggs, Washington. Opinions of the reinforced concrete replica range from "super tacky" to "amazing." Weddings, Wiccan celebrations and the Hells Angels’ annual gathering are held there. Because it is in the heart of wine country and located inside the boundaries Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, it is a frequently-visited tourist attraction.
On the BBC Wiltshire site are photos of Stonehenge wannabes. In Texas, where they like to do things bigger than everyone else, there are two. Santa Fe has Frigehenge. Nebraska has Carhenge. Foamhenge is in Virginia. Athens Georgia, New Zealand and Australia have also had a go at reinterpretation.
It’s good to know we Americans aren’t alone in this.
Fauxhenge Memorials
Manmade Monuments Mimic the Iconic Ancient World Marvel
Trend Themes
1. Replica Monuments - Creating manmade replicas of iconic ancient world marvels presents an opportunity for immersive experiences and cultural preservation.
2. Alternative Tourist Attractions - Developing alternative tourist attractions such as faux monuments can drive tourism and bolster local economies.
3. Symbolic Memorials - Building symbolic memorials like Fauxhenge can serve as reminders of historical events and spark social conversations.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The tourism industry can benefit from incorporating replica monuments into their offerings, attracting visitors seeking unique experiences.
2. Event Planning - Event planners can leverage faux monuments like Fauxhenge to host weddings, celebrations, and gatherings in distinctive and memorable locations.
3. Cultural Heritage - The cultural heritage industry can explore the creation of faux monuments to preserve and showcase historical significance in a modern context.