When one sees how big this cross is, one has to wonder how religious the folks in Effingham, IL really are.
The “Cross at the Crossroads” was completed in July 2001 by the Cross Foundation, a non-profit group based in Effingham. The Cross serves as a venue for local events.
(Read our reviews of other Illinois campgrounds and destinations)
The cross stands at 198 feet tall. Planners didn’t want it to exceed 200 feet, or else they’d be required to add airplane beacons at the top.
It’s estimated some 50,000 people see this cross each day as they pass by along Interstate 70 and US 40 (the crossroads).
It was inspired by a similar cross in Groom, Texas. The one in Groom stands at 190 feet. When the Cross Foundation launched its plans to build the cross in Effingham, they acquired plans from the builders in Groom. Today, the two crosses look identical.
The Cross at the Crossroads is open to the public. There is no church on the grounds. It’s largely a privately owned park.
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