The Charming Small Town In Washington That Is Home To A Full-Scale Replica Of Stonehenge
By Jackie Ann|Published December 20, 2022
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Maryhill is a tiny little town that’s home to fewer than 100 people. Located right on the Washington/Oregon border, this tiny but mighty town is home to one of the most unique attractions in the entire state. It’s not every day that you stumble across a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge in Washington, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in this scenic corner of the state.
The history behind Maryhill’s Stonehenge may surprise you.
Hill had originally intended to use rock but had to switch to reinforced concrete. The rough texture was created by lining the wooden molds with crumpled tin, which makes it look like it’s been there for centuries.
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The altar stone was even placed strategically to align with the summer solstice sunrise, modeled after the original.
As luck would have it, there was a total solar eclipse in 1918, and many of the best astronomers in the country were in the area. After consulting with them, the altar stone was moved to align with the astronomical horizon rather than the midsummer sunrise, resulting in a three-degree difference between the replica and the original.
Nestled along a beautiful 5,300-acre site, the museum features a wide range of exhibitions, plus a cafe where you can enjoy coffee and/or lunch alongside stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Visit the Maryhill Museum of Art’s website to learn more and start planning your epic road trip today. Speaking of road trips, here are some of our favorite road trips in Washington that will lead you to some of the most picturesque parts of the state.
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