Maryhill

Maryhill is a small secluded town that forms part of the Klickitat County, Washington. Once called Columbus, it is believed to have been renamed after the wife and daughter of Samuel Hill, a popular and wealthy local icon who purchased this over 6000-acre (25 sq. km.) uninhabited land. The historical importance of the region is entirely contributed by one man and all places of significance are in some way or the other related to Samuel Hill and his family. 

Samuel Hill, who by profession was a railroad executive, dreamt of making this region home to a Quaker farming community but that did not materialize. He had also planned and constructed a church, hotel, shops and other utility centers. Also having built about ten miles of paved roads, recognized as the first in rural Washington, the entire township was gutted by fire and never occupied during his lifetime.

Maryhill is till date sparsely populated with the 2000 census putting the number at 98. The town does not house any thing out of the world. It is the simplicity and the history of this region that is captivating. Maryhill is home to America’s first documented Stonehenge, built in concrete and dedicated by its builder Samuel Hill to World War I heroes. Right in front of the Stonehenge is the 99-acre camping area called Maryhill State Park.

Another place to visit is the Maryhill Museum which was started as a "castle" for Hill’s daughter and is a solid structure made primarily of steel and concrete. Completed in 1940 the entire building is mainly made of steel I-beams coupled with steel studs and almost no wood in the structural areas. It houses some ancient French, Indian and Russian artifacts and an antique collection of international chess sets. Maryhill winery has of late emerged as one of the leading wineries in Washington State and its tasting rooms are among the most visited.

Maryhill has the scenic touch that offers a calm and tranquil vacation.