Stonehenge is certainly a inscrutable and infamous site, and it continues to mystify and puzzle archaeologists. There is no doubt that it will forever. This magnificent cluster of menhirs remains a large part of science as well as folklore. Of the more than nine hundred stone structures in England, Wales, and Scotland, Stonehenge is the most impressive and famous. It stands as a testament of time and all the world's wonders. After its completion, later generations broke up, removed, or destroyed the stones to build houses and roads. Some stones have been broken off below ground level. Only half of the original stones are in tact today (Stonehenge, 3). Although it is a mere ruin of an awesome prehistoric temple, attempts are being made to preserve this national heritage. Recently there has been great strides to protect it. UNESCO gave it World Heritage Status 1984 ("Stonehenge", NPA). Since l978 the government prohibits visitors from walking within the stone circle because of damage to the stones ("Stonehenge", NPA). Guards warn them to keep to a pathway near the stones. Modern conveniences intrude upon Stonehenge's quiet majesty. A highway invades the serene monument landscape, as close as one hundred yards to it. Parking lots, gift shops, and ice cream stands encroach on Stonehenge, leaving some visitors with the bitter taste of commercialism.
Though Stonehenge is not the same terrific beauty that it was in 1500 B.C., it is still the most widely popularized and talked about stone circle in the history of the world. We know much more about it now, but in a world where information is at our fingertips through the Internet and a simple walk to the library, Stonehenge is one of the only true mysteries left. No matter how much research, how many studies and excavations are performed on or about Stonehenge, we will never be sure of anything about it except that it is here for us to ponder and marvel over for eternity.