Branson Cross
{{Short description|Religious structure in Missouri, USA}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox monument
|monument_name = Branson Cross
| native_name =
|image = Branson Cross.jpg
|caption = Branson Cross, view from U.S. Route 65
|location = Walnut Shade, Branson,
Missouri, United States
|mapframe =
|mapframe-zoom =
|designer = Kerry Brown
|material = 1-inch thick plate steel
|length =
|width =
|height = 218 feet (66.45m)
|complete = September, 2018{{cite web | url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news/local/article_163c99f0-62c6-11e9-aeb6-2f595fd9bf9e.html | title=Public can now walk through 218-foot-tall cross | date=April 19, 2019 }}
|dedicated_to = Jesus Christ
|map_image =
|map_caption =
|map_width =
|coordinates ={{Coord|36|35|6.95|N|93|13|29.55|W|display=title}}
|lat =
|long =
|extra =
}}
Branson Cross is a large structure in the shape of a cross 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/11/27/pokin-around-largest-cross-north-america-stands-so-tall-needs-faa-light-beacons/2128739002/ | title=Pokin Around: The largest cross in North America stands so tall it needs FAA light beacons }} The cross is among the ten largest such structures in the world.{{cite web|url=https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/coming-to-the-branson-cross|website=farmprogress.com|title=Coming to the Branson Cross|author=Mindy Ward|date=October 19, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2024}} The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a ceremony in April, 2019 to declare the monument open to the public.
Design and symbolism
The 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/giant-cross-visionary-speaks-out-about-its-significance/ | title=Giant Cross Visionary Speaks Out About Its Significance | date=November 17, 2018 }} 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".
Construction
Construction began in August 2018. 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.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-516bb71335e1451e9c6c6e0029f5da6a | title=North America's largest cross in Missouri to open to public | website=Associated Press News | date=December 7, 2018 }}
The cross is constructed from one inch thick plate steel, and is composed of eight sections with bolts securing it in place. 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.Alabama Roll Products produced and manufactured all parts to be distributed by the erecting company. 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.{{cite web|url=https://headrickscrosscompany.com|title=Cross Company {{pipe}} America's Premier Manufacturer of Majestic Church Crosses|website=headrickscrosscompany.com|access-date=July 27, 2024}} According to the fabricator, the cross weighs 450,000 pounds (204.12 metric tonnes).{{cite web | url=https://headrickscrosscompany.com/project/images-at-the-cross | title=Images at the Cross | date=April 23, 2019 }}