Missouri S&T Stonehenge: A Modern Megalith

The Missouri S&T Stonehenge, also known as UMR Stonehenge, offers a unique blend of ancient mystery and modern ingenuity. Located on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) in Rolla, Missouri, this half-scale, partial replica of the original Stonehenge stands as a monument to both astronomical observation and engineering prowess.Conceived in 1982 by Dr. Joseph Senne, Dr. David Summers, and Chancellor Joseph Marchello, the project aimed to showcase the stone-cutting capabilities of the university's high-pressure water jet lab. Completed in 1984, the replica was constructed from 160 tons of Georgia granite, precisely cut using water jets operating at 15,000 psi. This feat, which would have taken decades using ancient methods, was accomplished in a single month.The monument incorporates many features of the original Stonehenge, including astronomical alignments. Dedicated on the summer solstice in 1984, it functions as a solar calendar and even boasts capabilities the original lacks, such as annotations etched into the stones. The Rolla Stonehenge also features an analemma, a stone marked with the months of the year to track the changing position of the sun.Located on Route 66, the Missouri S&T Stonehenge offers visitors a quirky roadside attraction and a photo-worthy stop. It's a testament to human ingenuity, linking the past and the present in a unique and unexpected way.