It was hard to miss the 218-foot tall cross on my travels to Branson, Mo. There on the top of a hill along Highway 65 South stood what is the largest cross in the U.S. and, according to promoters, the fifth-largest cross in the world.

Missouri has long been identified as a standing state in the “Bible Belt,” albeit the most northern state. The tall white cross with water droplets, which represent water droplets from John 19:34, stands in Taney County between Springfield and Branson. This county alone is home to more than 40 churches from every denomination. Sunday fellowship and family dinner are still a big part of many traditions in rural areas. Families may even have a cross in the yard or above the fireplace mantel. Still, one Monett native decided to build one a great deal larger.

Plans for the Branson Cross began almost a decade ago. Kerry Brown, who is executive director of Images at the Cross, started a fundraising campaign, according to the organization’s website. It took 22 bolts, each 7 feet long, pounded in the ground to hold the mammoth cross. Completion of the exterior frame happened in October. More funds are needed to create an outside walkway and stairs.

Brown says the cross is at the exact geographical center of the country. He hopes that individuals traveling to or from Branson will stop in and reflect on their faith. And the highway sees a lot of traffic. It is estimated that more than 3 million people travel this road annually.  

Depending on the day and condition of the area around the cross, visitors can stop by and see the monument up close. However, the full opening is scheduled for Easter 2019.

Faith is important to the Branson area, with many venues also offering wholesome family-friendly, belief-based entertainment. Brown hopes those visitors will stop by for even just a moment at the cross.

If you would like to see it in person, here is the exact physical location: 4180 U.S. 65 North, Walnut Shade, Mo., 65771.