Carpenter's Viking Ship Mysteriously Appears in Grand Junction Desert in 1975

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In November 1975, locals in Grand Junction, Colorado were shocked to discover a full-size Viking ship sitting in the desert below Mt. Garfield, with no explanation for how it got there. The 40-foot ship, built by a local carpenter named Rollie Rogers using fencing, gate planks, and a bedsheet sail, was a creative project that brought a sense of whimsy and community spirit to the area for a short time before the desert eventually wore it down.

Why it matters

The appearance of the unexpected Viking ship in the Grand Junction desert captured the imagination of the local community and highlighted the creative spirit and sense of fun that can emerge from small-town residents. It also showcased how even the most outlandish ideas can sometimes become reality through dedication and community support.

The details

Rollie Rogers, a carpentry instructor in his 20s living in the nearby town of Loma, spent about two years building the Viking ship as a personal project. He had help from his wife and a few friends to construct the 40-foot vessel out of fencing, gate planks, and a bedsheet sail, complete with a unicorn figurehead on the front. The ship was discovered sitting in the desert in November 1975, puzzling locals until Rogers eventually revealed himself as the creator.

• The Viking ship first appeared in the Grand Junction desert in November 1975.
• Rogers spent around two years building the ship before it was discovered.

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