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Eighth Wonder of the World: Stonehenge II in the Texas Hill Country

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Tony Maples Photography

 

This world is filled with amazing things, and Texas has no small share of wonders and things of great awe. One of these is a monument to art in the sincerest form of flattery. Stonehenge II outside of Ingram, Texas, is a compliment to the Neolithic people who crafted the original in England. The architectural masterpiece in our home state is probably the only one the majority of us will get the opportunity to see, and so we should! It is a near-exact replica to the original, rests just west of Kerrville, in the Texas Hill Country, and welcomes Texans and Tex-pats to the Ingram area from far and wide.

Eight Wonder of the World: Stonehenge II In The Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Stonehenge II

A concept developed by Al Shepperd and constructed with the assistance of his neighbor, Doug Hill, Stonehenge II originally resided west of Hunt, Texas. The full installation was created 90% as wide and 60% as high as the original! Impressive, to say the least. When Mr. Sheppard determined to put his property up for sale, he began to look for a home for the pieces, which were now considered art.

Eight Wonder of the World: Stonehenge II In The Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Texas

In 2010, Shepperd had found a buyer, and the Hill Country Arts Foundation commenced with a “Save Stonehenge II” fundraising campaign, which successfully raised enough to have all of the components safely moved to their campus in Ingram.

Eight Wonder of the World: Stonehenge II In The Texas Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/Stonehenge II

By 2012, the Foundation had raised the full amount required to reposition the stones/art components in their present resting place. Each of the pieces are plaster, attached to a wire mesh frame, except for the 2 middle stones, which are real, and quite realistically heavy. In addition to Stonehenge II, there are 2 Easter Island statues (Moai) sitting proudly for all to see at the same installation. It really is a unique wonder of Texas, and a sight to see. It even served as the backdrop for one of the ‘Friday Night Lights’ T.V. episodes!

Sources:

Wikipedia

Roadside America