Carhenge - A Celebration of Life

November 22, 2014

Carhenge, Nebraska

On a sultry, summer afternoon, we headed up to the High Plains and investigated a western Nebraska icon. Rising conspicuously out of the verdant corn, Carhenge was constructed 27 years ago as an exact replica of southern England's Stonehenge.

At first, it was considered a despicable eyesore haphazardly fabricated by a crazy farmer but in actuality, it's an admirable display sculpted by a serious artist. Over time as the structure has blended into the environment, locals have not only accepted the work but they have embraced it as their own unique piece of Americana.

Though some may still dismiss Carhenge as the makings of a madman, artist Jim Reinders cleared his field and built it so now we come. Today, people from all over the world arrive in the agricultural town of Alliance, Nebraska to visit the quirky roadside attraction.

The grouping of gray gas guzzlers is a remarkable recreation. Aligned with the summer solstice, Carhenge faithfully replicates Stonehenge's current tumble-down state. As well as the main circle, the exhibit includes two station stones, three upright trilithons, the Slaughter Stone and the mysterious Heel Stone.

For an artisan or photographer, the place is interesting to examine. At the photogenic site, an enormous complex offers tight angles and dark shadows that form interesting compositions at every turn. The cold, Detroit steel contrasts sharply with the undulating Sandhills and billowing, white clouds.

Originally conceived as a memorial, at its core, the monument is a moving tribute to Jim's father. Encouraged to explore freely, children enthusiastically climb cars and kick tires. Whereas the stone slabs of Salisbury are the "Domain of the Dead", the arrangement of American automobiles near Alliance appears to be a celebration of life.