Branson Cross is a large structure in the shape of a crucifix located in Walnut Shade, Missouri near Branson, Missouri. At 218 feet (66.45m) tall, it is claimed to be the largest cross in North America.[3] The cross is among the ten largest such structures in the world.[4] The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a ceremony in April, 2019 to declare the monument open to the public.[2]
 | |
| 36°35′6.95″N 93°13′29.55″W / 36.5852639°N 93.2248750°W | |
| Location | Walnut Shade, Branson, Missouri, United States |
|---|---|
| Designer | Kerry Brown |
| Material | 1-inch thick plate steel |
| Height | 218 feet (66.45m) |
| Beginning date | August, 2018[1] |
| Completion date | September, 2018[2] |
| Opening date | April 21, 2019[2] |
| Dedicated to | Jesus Christ |
Design and symbolism
editThe cross is painted white with blue teardrop shaped embellishments. The designer explained that the vertical teardrops are "representative of new beginnings" and a reference to the eight people saved in Noah's Ark.[5] The horizontal teardrops reflect the suffering of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, with "3 nail wounds, the spear in the side and the crown of thorns".[5]
Construction
editConstruction began in August 2018.[1] The cross was originally planned to be built on a 16-acre plot of land, however a further 14-acres of adjacent land were subsequently purchased during the construction phase.[6] The cross is constructed from one inch thick plate steel, and is composed of eight sections with bolts securing it in place.[6] The cross can withstand gusts of wind up to 75 miles per hour. The construction of the cross cost at least $3 million, largely funded through gifts and donations by the public.[6] The cross was assembled and installed by Headrick's Cross Company, a fabrication and installation firm that has worked on similar cruciform monument projects elsewhere.[7] According to the fabricator, the cross weighs 450,000 pounds (204.12 metric tonnes).[8]
References
edit- ^ a b "Developers begin work on cross along U.S. 65 in Branson, Mo". August 6, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Public can now walk through 218-foot-tall cross". April 19, 2019.
- ^ "Pokin Around: The largest cross in North America stands so tall it needs FAA light beacons".
- ^ Mindy Ward (October 19, 2018). "Coming to the Branson Cross". farmprogress.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ a b "Giant Cross Visionary Speaks Out About Its Significance". November 17, 2018.
- ^ a b c "North America's largest cross in Missouri to open to public". Associated Press News. December 7, 2018.
- ^ "Cross Company | America's Premier Manufacturer of Majestic Church Crosses". headrickscrosscompany.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ "Images at the Cross". April 23, 2019.