In 1932, Centerville, Ohio resident Ben Hartman began a project that would fill the next ten years of his life.
Initially, the middle-aged Hartman only planned on constructing a small stone and concrete fish pond in his backyard. When the pond was complete, however, its architect decided he wasn’t quite out of inspiration.
He began collecting small stones and salvaging bits of mirror and pottery. Soon, his yard was covered with tiny rock homes, castles, and scenes from history recreated in miniature.
Read on for a tour of this incredible, tiny wonderland.
The most impressive creation in the garden is this cathedral, which is a full-scale building.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
The drawbridge leading to the garden includes turrets that are about 5.5 feet high The large castle in the garden is made of over 14,000 stones, while the “Tree of Life” statue is composed of more than 20,000.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
A small encampment of soldiers is just one of the many war-themed tableaus in the garden.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
A small group of soldiers leaving their barracks, presumably on their way to Hartman’s recreation of Custer’s Last Stand.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
The garden includes a replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the White House, and a tiny Mount Vernon.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
A small, red cottage may be a depiction of President Lincoln’s childhood home.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
The porch to the White House is intricately constructed.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
This teeny settlers’ village looks like it has seen better days, but is still charming.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
The little Hoover Dam is still holding strong after all these years.
Flickr/Justin Masterson
Noah’s Ark begins to fill with pairs of tiny toy animals
Flickr/Justin Masterson
Have you ever visited the Hartman Rock Garden? Do you know of any similar sites around the country?
Flickr/Justin Masterson
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