Imagine, for a moment, young Amelia Earhart being introduced to aviators while working at a military hospital in Canada during World War I. They might have shared the thrill of soaring high in the sky, and perhaps she asked questions about how long it takes to learn to operate a plane.
Whatever those conversations entailed, they convinced Earhart that she could fly an airplane as well as any man—that she, too, belonged in the skies.
Born along the Missouri River in northeastern Kansas in a city called Atchison, Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to breaking records, she served as an inspiration to women, encouraging them to think outside the box, reject social norms, and pursue their passions.
Sadly, Earhart’s plane disappeared in 1937 while she was en route to becoming the first woman to fly around the world. Although she was declared dead in 1939 after extensive search efforts proved futile, her relentless vision and fierce determination have never been forgotten.
In celebration of Earhart’s impressive achievements, her hometown of Atchison has paid tribute in an extraordinary way: a living portrait made of soil, plants, stone, and other natural materials. The Amelia Earhart Earthwork was lovingly created in 1997 by famed Kansas artist Stan Herd. This spectacle, located at 17862 274th Road in Atchison, lies on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake and is situated within the International Forest of Friendship, a green sanctuary honoring aviation heroes.
A viewing deck situated on a nearby hilltop is accessible to those who wish to see the tribute from the ground. However, the tribute is best appreciated from an aerial perspective. Flying over it in a plane—or viewing its expanse with a drone—allows visitors to experience the tribute from the friendly skies that Earhart herself cherished.
The Amelia Earhart Earthwork in Atchison celebrates Earhart’s daring spirit and enduring legacy. Those who view it will be reminded of a sentiment found in one of her most insightful quotes: “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”