The UT Permian Basin Stonehenge replica was built in 2004 by members of the Art Department. The original Stonehenge in England took about 1,500 years to build. The replica took about six weeks.
The 30-to-40-thousand-pound stones were donated by TexaStone Quarries. The replica is the same length as the original horizontally, but slightly shorter vertically.
It is believed the construction of the original Stonehenge began sometime after the last Ice Age, coinciding with the rise of the first civilizations around 10,000 B.C. The original Stonehenge is thought to have been a calendar, telling the sunrise and sunset at summer and winter solstice.
Located next to the Charles A. Sorber Visual Arts Studios, the Stonehenge replica is a reminder of the large art community within the Permian Basin. The landmark has become a gathering place for students and community members to enjoy.
