Skip to Main Content

Merced, California: Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

Most roadside grave markers are humble and small. Not George H. Fancher's. His granite monument towers 68 feet high. He was a wealthy rancher and banker, and $25,000 in his will was set aside to pay for it.

Address:
N. Arboleda Drive, Merced, CA
Directions:
On the east side of N. Arboleda Drive, just south of its intersection with of Hwy 140/Central Yosemite Hwy.
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

America's tallest roadside tombstone is definitely bigger than you'd think....

[R.F.F.R., 05/26/2018]

Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

A little research about George Hicks Fancher revealed answers to some of the questions people have when they see this man's monument to himself. He left $25,000 to have a monument built to him. Whoever designed the large obelisk didn't use much imagination in listing George's history. They kept it to where and when he was born and where and when he died.

[Phrank Phester, 12/08/2015]

George was not very sociable in life, so he probably didn't want to share any information about himself in death. It was enough to remember him -- and we obviously do.

Tallest tombstone.

Tallest Roadside Tombstone in the U.S.

Definitely the largest grave marker we've ever seen. On our way to Yosemite and could not help but wonder about this towering obelisk by the train crossing. Mr. Fancher is still getting attention well after his death in 1900, probably exactly what he wanted.

[Christy Shelton, 04/19/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Mail Pouch Tobacco BarnMail Pouch Tobacco Barn, Merced, CA - 4 mi.
Castle Air Museum: Parking Lot JetsCastle Air Museum: Parking Lot Jets, Atwater, CA - 12 mi.
Restaurant with Outer Wall of FishRestaurant with Outer Wall of Fish, Chowchilla, CA - 16 mi.
In the region:
Mark Twain's Cabin, Sonora, CA - 49 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

California Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings