NILAND, Calif. - It took one man nearly 30 years to build and people come by the thousands each year to visit his "Salvation Mountain".
Leonard Knight said his truck broke down nearly 30 years ago in Niland, Calif., just east of the Salton Sea and he simply never left. He said he wanted to build an eight foot statue that told the world of God’s love.
What he created was a colorful mountain covered in painted adobe clay that stands 50 feet high and 150 feet wide with the word “love” written everywhere. It’s impossible not to see Knight’s simple but powerful message.
“I'm after telling everybody in the whole world that loving God, loving Jesus, and loving each other is the main thing,” he said. “All we have to do is love each other and keep it simple.”
Knight is now 80 years old. His health is failing prompting many to wonder what will happen to the destination when he is gone.
Knight’s friend Kevin Eubank said the land apparently belongs to the California Teachers’ Association. He said he and Knight are working with a lawyer to acquire it legally and preserve the mountain.
“If something doesn't happen when Leonard passes away, there will be zero protection available for the mountain,” said Eubank.
Knight has no money and survives on donations. He thrives on the joy the mountain brings others.
When asked about his desired legacy, Knight said he wants people to simply remember his mantra.
“Let’s love each other because it's simple,” he said.
Leonard Knight said his truck broke down nearly 30 years ago in Niland, Calif., just east of the Salton Sea and he simply never left. He said he wanted to build an eight foot statue that told the world of God’s love.
What he created was a colorful mountain covered in painted adobe clay that stands 50 feet high and 150 feet wide with the word “love” written everywhere. It’s impossible not to see Knight’s simple but powerful message.
“I'm after telling everybody in the whole world that loving God, loving Jesus, and loving each other is the main thing,” he said. “All we have to do is love each other and keep it simple.”
Knight is now 80 years old. His health is failing prompting many to wonder what will happen to the destination when he is gone.
Knight’s friend Kevin Eubank said the land apparently belongs to the California Teachers’ Association. He said he and Knight are working with a lawyer to acquire it legally and preserve the mountain.
“If something doesn't happen when Leonard passes away, there will be zero protection available for the mountain,” said Eubank.
Knight has no money and survives on donations. He thrives on the joy the mountain brings others.
When asked about his desired legacy, Knight said he wants people to simply remember his mantra.
“Let’s love each other because it's simple,” he said.
