While America may not have the most historic roadside attractions in the world — say, Stonehenge, for example — we do have something no one else can lay claim to: the Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas. Since 1974, the plot of land with 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs sticking out of the ground has drawn travelers from across the country and even starred in magazine shoots and music videos.
But the Cadillac Ranch's days may be numbered thanks to its creator, eccentric oil heir Stanley Marsh III, being embroiled in a sex scandal involving young boys, according to Texas Monthly. Now many people in the community are calling for the Cadillac Ranch to be torn down.
Here's the lowdown: In October, 10 young men filed lawsuits against the 74-year-old Marsh claiming he paid them for sexual favors when they were teenagers. They also claim several other adults, including Marsh's wife, enabled the alleged abuse. Marsh faces a slew of criminal charges as well.
This is not the first time he's been accused of impropriety with kids. From the magazine:
Marsh has had to fight allegations about his behavior in the past. In 1996 he was arrested on three counts of indecency with a child through sexual contact, but that complaint was dismissed. He was also sued in 1996 and 2004 for attempted sexual assault, but those lawsuits were quickly settled out of court, with Marsh admitting no wrongdoing.
So what does this have to do with Cadillac Ranch? In light of the allegations, some people want it gone. The lawyer for the accusers wants to see it torn down. Some Amarillo residents see Marsh as a benefactor for the city, but others view him as a man who has skirted the law too many times because of his wealth and privilege.
At any rate, if you've ever wanted to check out the Cadillac Ranch, you may need to do it soon in case it gets taken down for good.
Photo credit AP