Stonehenge is one of the most well known landmarks in the UK. People have heard of the famous stones set up in a circle and marvel at how this came to be. In Kerrville, Texas it is possible to visit a re-creation of Stonehenge. Kerrville is home to Stonehenge II.
Stonehenge II was actually created by Al Shepperd and Doug Hill. Al Shepperd created Stonehenge II as an amusing art project. His neighbor, Doug Hill helped out by offering a limestone slab to Shepperd. This occurred in 1989. Shepperd decided to place the slab in the monolith style. After the first slab it seemed like a fever over took Al because he began to erect more stones in a Stonehenge re-creation. In a year both Shepperd and Hill were able to bankroll the project using plaster and graphite that covered the metal mesh and steel frameworks they built. They replicated the original Stonehenge, but made it 90 percent of the width of the original and only 60 percent the height.
Shepperd then had the idea to enhance his Stonehenge even more, by building two 13 feet statures like the Easter Island heads. It took a year and a half for this to be added. It was only after a visit to Easter Island that Shepperd even came up with the idea. Al was going to put up an Alaskan Totem Pole, as well, but unfortunately he died in 1994 before he could add this to the yard. Al Shepperd, the nephew, now owns the property.
Seeing the creation of his uncle, Al felt it would be a great thing to give tour permission to visitors. Anyone who comes to Kerrville is able to self tour the site. The site has a sign explaining the whole concept, and what the Shepperd's had hoped to accomplish.
The stones are actually about eight feet tall. The metal inside will ring if they are tapped, creating an eerie sound. Local birds have even built nests on the site in a couple of places, so visitors should look out for nature's adaptations to Stonehenge II. The sign at the entrance allowing visitors in reads "Its purpose is unknown, and perhaps, unknowable.'' To reach Stonehenge II one must drive 80 miles west of San Antonio to Hunt, and then on to Kerrville. Take highway I-10 to Highway 39 and then drive two miles west. The land is open during the daylight hours only. There is no charge for walking to Stonehenge II.
The nephew just allows visitors, and truthfully he doesn't usually see too many of them. Most visitors will find they are alone. Children tend to love viewing the structure because the stones are high in the air and it is quite different from other options. Kerrville has more to offer than just Stonehenge II. However, for anyone looking for a free exhibit this is the one. Near the private property in Kerrville is also Kerville- Schreiner Park and Riverside Nature Center.
