Wizard of Oz Fact #121: Oz Locations Inspired by Real Places
L. Frank Baum drew inspiration for Oz’s geography and locations from real American landscapes, including Kansas, California, and locations he visited. The Emerald City’s architecture was influenced by Art Deco design popular in the early 1900s.
The Haunted Forest was even inspired by a forest near Sweetheart Corners in North Syracuse, NY. There is a marked trail where you can walk through and see all the varied species of trees that give it that “haunted” feel.
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Source: L. Frank Baum Travel Journals