On I-8, in the Sonoran desert just west of Yuma, Arizona, there is a treasure waiting to be explored.
When all the books are gone, this museum will tell future travelers who we were, how we lived, what we valued, and what our planet was like before…
France gave the US a majestic statue symbolizing freedom and democracy, sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi with framework created by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel The Statue of Liberty has long stood as a beacon of hope for all people. This staircase, part of the original staircase of the Eiffel Tower, was brought to the desert by Jacques-André Istel a man from France. A man with a vision.
Jacques-André Istel, who served in the Marines during the Korean War, and is known as the “Father of Skydiving” bought 2,600 acres in the Sonoran Desert and proceeded to write the history of humanity In granite.
Backed by the Chocolate Mountains, disturbed only by occasional freight trains, the History of Humanity in Granite provides a silent and peaceful place to absorb the millennia of our time here on earth, displayed in over 500 granite panels.
Panels represent our planet: the animals and oceans, the geography and civilizations, our art and culture, languages and religions, history and conflicts, all synthesized in words and images.
At the entrance, is a 3D representation of Michaelangelo’s “Arm of God” which points to the Church on the Hill, built on the highest point in Felicity, (due to the 150,000 tons of dirt brought in to make it the highest point in Felicity.)
The “Arm of God” also points to the pyramid, which houses the official “Center of the World” plaque. (Certified by Imperial County, CA).
When a CBS Interviewer asked Istel how his pyramid differed from the ones in Egypt, Istel replied, “I was short twenty thousand slaves.”
Inside the pyramid, visitors are invited to stand on the exact center of the world and make a wish. The time is recorded on a certificate and they are assured that their wish will come true as long as they don’t tell anyone what it is. I haven’t told anyone so I hope mine comes true.
This place touched something deep within me … and reminded me of a family reunion photo … when we were still young and loved each other.
Walking through the History of Humanity was like walking through the mind of a genius … I just wanted to sit at his feet and have him tell me stories. I hope you get a chance to visit.
