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.[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]
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.[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
Construction 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 $3million, largely funded through gifts and donations by the public.Alabama Roll Products produced and manufactured all parts to be distributed by the erecting company. [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]
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