Stubby Stonehenge

Rolla, Missouri

This squat Stonehenge -- a little bit of Druid Europe in sweltering south-central Missouri -- was built at the former University of Missouri at Rolla Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center to showcase the stone carving capabilities of its High Pressure Water Jet Lab. "In ancient times, carving these stones would have taken years," a plaque explains. "These stones were carved in a month."

Rolla's Stonehenge was dedicated on the evening of June 20, 1984, the shortest night of the year, in the presence of a white-robed Druid from England. The centerpiece at its reception was a "Cheesehenge."

Rolla's Stonehenge is nearly surrounded by campus buildings, which limits its ability to offer dramatic Solstice views. However, it is the only Stonehenge along old Route 66, and the only one to receive an award from the National Society of Professional Engineers. Other winners in 1984 included the Chicago Sewer System and the Hubble Space Telescope.