In the middle of nowhere stands this concrete obelisk, once a prominent point on the Ozark Trail--a predecessor of Route 66.

It had five lights on top plus mileage and directions painted on the sides. Now only a sunset, and soon the moon at right, provide illumination. (The graffiti certainly doesn't.)

The black paint is new--it was originally white. And usually the graffiti is much more extensive and colorful.

The obelisk is 2.5 miles west of Stroud on Rt 66, then South on primitive dirt road N3540 for 1.4 miles. Avoid when wet.

More info: www.drivetheost.com/pyramidsonthetra.html