Revisiting MacCannell's site sacralization theory as an analytical tool: Historic prophetstown as a case study

Abstract

Abstract Historic Prophetstown in Battle Ground, Indiana is intrinsically connected to a pivotal event in Native American and United States military history. While it appears to have all the necessary elements to become a successful tourism attraction, it consistently teeters on the verge of insolvency. Applying sociologist Dean MacCannell's ( 1976 ) five‐stage site sacralization theory as an analytical lens to investigate the site revealed that it has never successfully moved beyond MacCannell's first stage (i.e. naming), which may be a key factor contributing to low visitation and poor economic performance. This suggests that MacCannell's theory can offer unique insights into site development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.