You’ll find the remnants of Samuel Hill’s failed 1907 Quaker farming colony along the Columbia River in Maryhill, Washington. Though his dream of an agricultural settlement withered due to irrigation challenges and a devastating fire, the site now features America’s first WWI memorial – a full-scale Stonehenge replica – and Hill’s mansion-turned-art museum. Beyond these landmarks, the area holds countless paranormal tales and unexplained phenomena waiting to be uncovered.
Key Takeaways
- Samuel Hill’s 1907 dream of a Quaker farming colony failed due to irrigation problems and a devastating fire in the 1910s.
- The original town site included 5,300 acres purchased through Maryhill Land Company but never achieved its intended population.
- Remnants include Hill’s mansion-turned-museum, Stonehenge memorial, and scattered abandoned structures from early settlement attempts.
- Agricultural challenges and harsh desert conditions ultimately prevented the establishment of a sustainable farming community.
- The area now primarily consists of the Maryhill Museum, tourist attractions, and sparse rural development rather than the planned town.
A Vision Unrealized: Samuel Hill’s Quaker Community Dream
While Quaker ideals of community and simplicity drove Samuel Hill’s vision, his ambitious plan to establish a farming colony along the Columbia River ultimately fell short of its goals.
In 1907, you’d have found Hill purchasing 5,300 acres through his Maryhill Land Company, naming the venture after his daughter. He envisioned a thriving settlement complete with a store, post office, Quaker church, inn, and other essential structures. His early life in a Quaker family in Deep River strongly influenced his vision for the community.
Yet agricultural challenges quickly emerged. The remote location’s unproven water sources and irrigation difficulties deterred potential pioneer farmers. After moving to Seattle to manage Seattle Gas and Electric, Hill divided his attention between multiple ambitious projects. A devastating fire in the early 1910s destroyed much of the nascent settlement, dealing a critical blow to Hill’s dreams.
The American Stonehenge: A Memorial to Fallen Heroes
A solemn tribute to sacrifice stands atop a Columbia River bluff near Maryhill, Washington – America’s first World War I memorial, erected in 1918.
You’ll find this full-size replica of England’s Stonehenge, built to honor fallen Klickitat County soldiers, showcasing both architectural design prowess and deep memorial significance. Visitors can explore the memorial grounds without admission fees.
The structure’s reinforced concrete pillars form two concentric circles: 40 inner pillars standing 9 feet tall and 30 outer pillars reaching 16 feet, crowned by five central trilithons.
The 6-by-18-foot altar stone aligns with the astronomical horizon, thanks to Professor Campbell’s precise calculations.
Unlike its ancient counterpart, this memorial serves a distinctly American purpose – commemorating those who gave their lives defending liberty while highlighting war’s tragic toll on humanity. The memorial was conceived by Sam Hill, who believed the original Stonehenge was used for human sacrifice rituals.
From Mansion to Museum: The Cultural Legacy
Beyond the haunting Stonehenge memorial lies another remarkable transformation in Maryhill’s story.
Past the stone sentinels of Stonehenge, Maryhill’s landscape harbors yet another tale of metamorphosis waiting to be discovered.
You’ll find Samuel Hill’s abandoned 1914 mansion, originally planned as the centerpiece of a 5,300-acre agricultural community, now standing as a symbol of cultural transformation.
When irrigation issues derailed Hill’s residential dreams, modern dance pioneer Loïe Fuller convinced him to reimagine the space as an art museum. The original building features massive stone ramps leading to the east and west entrances.
The museum’s artistic legacy emerged through extraordinary contributions: Hill’s collection of Native American baskets and Rodin sculptures, Queen Marie of Romania’s Eastern European artifacts, and Fuller’s unique artistic donations.
When you visit, you’ll experience the innovative concrete structure’s Beaux-Arts style and the remarkable collection that made Time magazine dub it “the world’s most isolated art museum” after its grand 1926 dedication.
Today, the museum spans 34 acres of land overlooking the spectacular Columbia River Gorge.
Natural Forces That Shaped Maryhill’s Landscape
Throughout millions of years, powerful geological forces carved and molded Maryhill’s dramatic landscape into the rugged terrain you’ll see today. The Columbia River Basalt flows created distinct “layer-cake” geological formations, while the Cascade Mountains’ uplift tilted these ancient rock layers.
You’ll notice the impact of Ice Age floods that tore through the gorge at speeds up to 50 mph, sculpting deep channels and stark basalt chasms. Much like the Forth and Clyde Canal that transformed Glasgow’s landscape in 1775, these waters permanently altered the region’s topology. The massive Glacial Lake Missoula floods stripped away topsoil and eroded bedrock across 430 miles to the Pacific Ocean.
The Cascade Mountains’ rainshadow effect creates Maryhill’s arid climate, where strong winds sweep across exposed rocky outcrops and sagebrush plains.
The Columbia River continues to shape the area’s character, cutting through basalt bluffs and creating steep terraces. These dynamic forces have left you with a striking high-desert landscape of rugged cliffs and windswept plateaus.
Spirits and Stories: The Paranormal Side of Maryhill
While Maryhill’s stark landscape commands attention by day, its paranormal activity has captured imaginations after dark.
You’ll find ghost sightings concentrated around the museum and abandoned structures, where visitors report shadowy figures, unexplained cold spots, and mysterious orbs. Much like the remote mining town of Monte Cristo, these haunting phenomena have drawn countless curious explorers over the years. Local paranormal investigations have documented EVP recordings and electromagnetic anomalies that align with reported poltergeist activity. Similar to the Washington State Ghost Society findings at the Oxford Saloon, these recordings provide compelling evidence of supernatural presence.
The area’s haunted reputation stems from its complex history – from Native American spirits to the souls of pioneer settlers and industrial workers who faced harsh conditions.
You can explore these supernatural elements through guided tours, where investigators use specialized equipment to detect otherworldly presence.
Whether you’re skeptical or believing, Maryhill’s ghost stories have become inseparable from its cultural identity, drawing curious visitors seeking connections to its mysterious past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to Samuel Hill’s Daughter Mary After the Town’s Founding?
You won’t find detailed records of Mary Hill’s life after the town’s founding. While her legacy lives on through Samuel Hill’s influence, historical sources don’t document her personal story beyond namesake connections.
Are There Any Remaining Original Buildings From the Quaker Settlement?
After a devastating 1910s fire that destroyed 100% of the settlement, you won’t find any original structures from the Quaker village standing today. Only Hill’s mansion retains historical significance as Maryhill Museum.
How Many Soldiers’ Names Are Inscribed on the Stonehenge Memorial?
You’ll find thirteen soldiers’ names inscribed on the memorial’s altar stone, marking their ultimate sacrifice during World War I. This memorial significance reflects Klickitat County’s profound loss and lasting tribute.
What Transportation Options Existed for Early Settlers to Reach Maryhill?
Like pioneers blazing new paths, you’d have reached Maryhill using wagon trails, steamboats along the Columbia River, ferries crossing between Washington and Oregon, horseback riding, or walking the rugged terrain.
Does the Museum Host Special Events or Educational Programs Today?
You’ll find extensive museum programs from March through November, including exhibition previews, educational workshops, plein air competitions, classic car shows, and cultural events overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
References
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/wa-stonehenge/
- https://www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-culture/2020/08/the-bizarre-history-of-the-maryhill-museum-of-art
- https://parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/maryhill-state-park-history
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLeVGA3zyfQ
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/wa/maryhill.html
- https://www.postalley.org/2021/06/13/what-in-the-sam-hill-a-remarkable-northwest-pioneer/
- https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/inside/mission-and-history
- https://www.whatcomtalk.com/2023/05/02/discovering-sam-hill-visionary-of-good-roads-and-monuments-to-peace/
- https://www.historynet.com/how-sam-hill-connected-the-pacific-northwest/
- https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/outside/stonehenge-memorial
