In the early 2000s, Presidents Park was a popular tourist attraction just outside of Colonial Williamsburg. The park was home to 42 giant busts of former U.S. Presidents, each standing over 18-feet tall and weighing 11,000 pounds. Visitors could walk among the busts, admiring the intricate details and learning about each president's legacy.
However, the park was short-lived, closing its doors in 2010 due to financial struggles. The massive presidential busts were left to decay in a swampy field just outside of Historic Williamsburg.
The busts were set to be destroyed, but owner Howard Hankins couldn't bring himself to do it. He saw the potential for something greater and began working on an ambitious new project called The Ruines at Hankins Folly.
The Ruines will be a unique park that combines art, history, and nature. The park will feature the giant presidential busts, now weathered and worn, as well as other massive sculptures and artwork. Visitors will be able to wander through the fields, taking in the beauty of the sculptures and the natural surroundings.
The project is still in its early stages, but Hankins is optimistic about its future. He hopes to attract visitors from all over the world to witness the unique beauty of the abandoned presidential busts.
While the busts may be out of commission, they still make for a quirky visual. The sight of 42 giant presidential busts standing in a rural field is one that would make just about anyone stop in their tracks.
The presidential head sculptures are not without controversy, however. Some argue that the busts are a symbol of the glorification of the presidency and the political elite. Others see them as a testament to American history and the legacy of the presidents who have shaped the country.
Regardless of one's opinion, the abandoned busts remain a fascinating piece of American history. They serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
In a world where politics is becoming increasingly polarized and divisive, the presidential busts offer a rare moment of bipartisan unity. Regardless of one's political affiliation, the busts represent a shared history and a shared legacy.
The Ruines at Hankins Folly is set to open in the near future, offering visitors a chance to experience the forgotten presidents in a whole new way. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the busts are received by the public and what impact they will have on American culture.
