Branson Cross

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 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. 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]