Here's the backstory: I was driving from California to Arizona on the 8 East. Just as I was about to cross into Arizona, I saw a pyramid on my left, and a sign that said, "Museum of History in Granite". I made a mental note to see what was going on there on my way back, and sure enough, I did.
I pulled into the parking lot, and noticed there was only one other car there. An older man wearing a suit and red sash that proclaimed "Mayor" came to greet me with a firm and formal handshake. The Mayor is Jacques-André Istel, a French-born Korean War veteran, who also happens to be a self-made millionaire, thanks to his contributions to parachuting as recreation.
In any case, he directed me to a guest relations expert - an older Asian woman - who showed me a 7 minute video detailing the history of Felicity. It seems Mr. Istel bought the land some decades ago, and wanted to do something special with it. In the mid-1980's, he wrote a children's book about a dragon sleeping in the center of the world. Somehow, that evolved into Mr. Istel and his wife incorporating the land they purchased into Felicity.
By the way, did I mention that the population of Felicity is 2? The Mayor, and his wife (the guest relations expert), Felicia. Fortunately, Mr. Istel won the election for mayor by a landslide: 2 - 0. Interesting side note - despite the small population, Felicity has its' own functioning post office.
If you pay $2.00, you can stand in the center of the pyramid, for this is the true center of the world. You'll also receive a certificate confirming that you've done just that:
But the real fun is the Museum of History in Granite. Behind the pyramid is a large collection of several rows of slabs, etched by artists, and dedicated a theme. For example, there's the History of California, the History of Arizona, History of Religion, and the History of the Ancient World. The etchings are well done, and there's enough information to keep you reading for at least a few hours...
The shape of it all is quite unique. There's a church on the hill behind the granite slabs. Climbing to the top gives you a better view of what's being created here - sort of a modern-day Nazca line:
I have no doubt these stones slabs are intended to tell the story of the human race to alien visitors who might come exploring long after we're gone. Check out this inscription at the bottom:
"May distant descendants, perhaps far from planet Earth view or collective history with understanding and affection".
Oh, before I forget, as I was leaving, I noticed something in the parking lot. It looked like a section of a spiral staircase. Turns out, it's an original section from the Eiffel Tower...
So, there you have it. Just a strange, quirky stop. The husband and wife are very friendly, polite, and hospitable. I don't believe this is open year-round, so make sure you call before stopping. There is a restaurant, but I didn't eat there. Maybe next time...
