The shocking story of the crash and deaths of three nationally known rock ‘n rollers put Clear Lake, Iowa on the map.  It is now site to where rock ‘n roll fans from around the world pay homage to their music. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson along with their pilot, Roger Peterson, died in a single engine, four seat Beechcraft Bonanza chartered from a Mason City, Iowa flying service. The flight left the Mason City Municipal Airport shortly after 1:00 a.m. on February 3, 1959. The airpplane was found along a fence in a snowy farm field north of Clear Lake at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Recently, Jeff Nicholas, owner of the land that the memorial is located, had a large pair of glasses reminiscent of those that Buddy Holly wore, created and erected at the site.  Made of steel, the marker is located at the entrance of the farm field indicating where visitors should begin to walk.

 Directions to memorial site: From U.S.  Highway 18, go north on North 8^th Street in Clear Lake 4.7 miles. When the paved road turns to the west, take the gravel road to the east, then immediately north on gravel. Go north one-mile, just past the grain bins and buildings, to the first fence row on the left.  Walk along the fence row to the west, just under one-half mile. A small memorial is located at the place the plane came to rest.