World's Largest Desert Tortoise Sculpture: world record set in Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree, California, United States--Murtle the Turtle, also known as Myrtle the Turtle, is a giant statue located on Twenty Nine Palms Highway, in Joshua Tree, California; donated to the Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce after a parade where it began as a float on wheels, she clocks in at about four feet tall and ten feet long, setting the world record for being the World's Largest Desert Tortoise Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"A metal sign spelling out "Joshua Tree" sits to the left, along with a metal Joshua Tree, one of the plants the area is known for, the Weird California reports.
"Many people misspell her name as "Myrtle", and although called a turtle, she is in fact a tortoise. Tortoises live on land, while turtles live some or all of their time in the water, of which there is little to none around Joshua Tree.
"Turtle Island sits on the south side of the highway, between Sunset Road and Hillside Road, in front of a small strip mall. They occasionally have farmers markets there. Murtle began her life as a wire and wood frame with plaster and cement covering. She is now a large sculpture, made out of concrete, that is proud to be the world's largest tortoise."
"She's the world's largest desert tortoise - but she still manages to be adorable. She started her first job in 1957 as a float in a parade and then was donated to the Chamber of Commerce," the Fotospot.com reports.
"It's a great spot for a photo opp; Murtle is between a "Joshua Tree" sign and a metal tree for which the area is famous."
Myrtle the Turtle, (sculpture) on Smithsonian American Art Museum / Art Inventories Catalog
The turtle was completely rebuilt by Howard Pierce and his wife, Ellen Pierce.
One plaque set next to the foundation reads:
MURTLE THE TURTLE/DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY BY HOWARD PIERCE.
Murtle the Turtle Sculpture
Address: 61605 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, United States
Directions: The Twenty Nine Palms Highway roadside in Joshua Tree, CA., in a parking lot near a laundromat.
Coordinates: N 34° 08.089 W 116° 19.125
11S E 562812 N 3777313
Facebook Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/murtletheturtlejt/
Quick Description: This Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculpture is Myrtle the Turtle (aka Murtle the Turtle). It's on the south side of 29 Palms Hwy (Hwy 62) between Hillside Rd & Sunset Rd in Joshua Tree, California.
TITLE:
Myrtle the Turtle, (sculpture).
ARTIST(S):
Pierce, Howard (Pierce, Ellen, assistant)
DATE:
rebuilt 1971
MEDIUM:
Sculpture: concrete, colored or painted plaster, and glass ; Foundation: concrete.
Myrtle the Turtle, (sculpture) on
Smithsonian American Art Museum / Art Inventories Catalog
TESTIMONIALS from Trip Advisor
"This larger that live sculpture is a beautiful recreation of the desert tortoise which one dominated the landscape in this area. During the 1950 – 1960s, Joshua Tree use to hold an annual Turtle Day Parade and Turtle Races to honor this magnificent creature. Over the years, this reptile started to disappear from the surrounding landscape. Eventually it was declared an endanger species, and Joshua Tree gave up their Turtle Day Parade and Races. To honor this tradition and the tortoise, Joshua Tree designed a statue using a concept taken from a 1957 painted plaster turtle parade float. Hence the birth of “Murtle the Turtle.” Over the years, time and weather played havoc with this rendition of the Turtle and it was replaced with the current sculpture."
"Really cute statue based in the middle of the street. The statue is really cute and the detail is amazing it’s worth a quick stop."
"On our way to AZ we came across Murtle The Turtle. Heard so many good things about this amazing statue."
"Five stars because ten minutes is a small price to pay, and because I like turtles."
"Good place to take a picture with your kids and teach them about the turtles in the desert."
"Fun place to stop for memory photos of time spend in Joshua Tree Park. Nothing more to see than is visible in the photo but worth a look!"
