Centennial Cross
Monument in Dubuque County, Iowa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Centennial Cross is a monumental crucifix found in Key West, Iowa. It was created in dedication to the Archdiocese of Dubuque. There have been two iterations of the cross after a replacement in 2024 to allow for better visibility.
- 75 feet (23 m) (old)
- 137 feet (42 m) (new)
 Interactive map of Centennial Cross | |
| Location | Key West, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Builder | Centennial Cross Incorporated |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Height |
|
| Completion date | 1937 |
| Restored date | 2024 |
| Dedicated to | Archdiocese of Dubuque |
| Website | https://centennialcross.org/ |
Design
The Centennial Cross is made of galvanized steel and covered with LED lights.[1] The current cross stands at 137 feet (42 m) tall.[1]
The cross overlooks Mount Olivet Cemetery.[2]
History
The original Centennial Cross was built in 1937 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.[2] In the 1960s, the monument became lit in blue with neon lights.[3]
Trees began to cover up the cross, obscuring the monument, even when lit up.[1][2] As a result, in 2024, the Centennial Cross was rebuilt, increasing to a height of 137 feet (42 m).[1] Lights were also renewed on the monument.[4] Moving the cross was deemed too short-term of a solution.[2] Conlon Construction was hired to erect the new cross.[5] Installation occurred in June of that year.[2][3] To fund the project, a fundraiser with a goal of $350,000 was organized.[2]