It was commissioned in the early 20th century by the wealthy entrepreneur Sam Hill, and dedicated on July 4, 1918 as a memorial to the people who had died in World War I.

Following the then-prevalent interpretation of Stonehenge, Hill thought that the original monument had been used as a sacrificial site.

[4] The dedication plaque on this Washington Stonehenge is inscribed: In memory of the soldiers and sailors of Klickitat County who gave their lives in defense of their country.

This monument is erected in the hope that others inspired by the example of their valor and their heroism may share in that love of liberty and burn with that fire of patriotism which death can alone quench.The Maryhill Stonehenge, which has nearby monuments to the soldiers of Klickitat County who died in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan, is now part of the Maryhill Museum of Art.

This concrete landmark is located off U.S. Highway 97, about two miles from the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge.