The Maryhill Stonehenge: A Unique Memorial
The Maryhill Stonehenge is a replica of England’s Stonehenge. Located in Maryhill, Washington, this monument stands as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Wealthy entrepreneur Sam Hill commissioned it in the early 20th century. On July 4, 1918, the monument was dedicated to honor those who died in the war.
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Construction and Dedication
Constructed from concrete, the Maryhill Stonehenge took eleven years to complete. Construction began in 1918 and concluded in 1929. The memorial earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Its unique design pays homage to the ancient Stonehenge, with an altar stone aligned with the summer solstice sunrise.
A Monument with a Message
Sam Hill, a Quaker, believed Stonehenge was a sacrificial site. He saw a parallel between those sacrifices and the loss of life in World War I. Hill aimed to remind humanity of its capacity for self-destruction. The dedication plaque honors Klickitat County soldiers and sailors who died defending their country. It calls for others to emulate their valor and patriotism.
Maryhill Stonehenge’s Scenic Location
The Maryhill Stonehenge sits on the former site of the town of Maryhill. Overlooking the Columbia Gorge, it stands as a solitary monument after the town burned down. On May 30, 1929, a second dedication marked the monument’s completion. Sam Hill lived to see this event, passing away in 1931.
Honoring Heroes of Multiple Wars
Besides World War I, the monument honors soldiers from Klickitat County who died in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. It is part of the Maryhill Museum of Art and located off U.S. Highway 97. Visitors can access the memorial for free, though donations for maintenance are welcome.
Hill’s Vision and Execution
Sam Hill envisioned the monument as a reminder of the “incredible folly” of war. He believed Stonehenge was a site of human sacrifice and saw a link to World War I’s losses. Guided by experts, he sought to replicate the ancient structure’s size and design as closely as possible.
Construction Details
Initially, Hill planned to use local stone. When this proved unsatisfactory, he opted for reinforced concrete. Lining wooden forms with crumpled tin created a rough, hand-hewn texture. The position of the altar stone, set by Professor Campbell of Lick Observatory, differs slightly from the original Stonehenge. This deviation results from aligning it to the astronomical horizon rather than the midsummer sunrise.
Final Dedication and Legacy
On July 4, 1918, the altar stone’s dedication plaque was installed. It reads:
“To the memory of the soldiers and sailors of Klickitat County who gave their lives in defense of their country. This monument is erected in 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 Stonehenge Memorial was re-dedicated on Memorial Day in 1929. The memorial honors servicemen of various military branches, including the U.S. Army, Marines, and Navy.
Sam Hill’s Resting Place
After his death in 1931, Sam Hill’s ashes were placed in a crypt beneath the Stonehenge Memorial. The original crypt deteriorated, so it was replaced in 1955 with a granite monument. The epitaph reads: “Samuel Hill: Amid nature’s great unrest, he sought rest.”
Visiting the Maryhill Stonehenge
This concrete landmark, a part of the Maryhill Museum of Art, offers visitors a glimpse into history. Located near the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge, it stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
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