There are two places we have been that have a lot of crosses: Quebec and the USA. The Cross at the Crossroads in Effingham, IL, was eye-catching enough that we detoured to get a better view.
It is the final days of our summer trip called America the Beautiful. This was a three-week journey through Canada, primarily in the USA, focusing on American National Parks. We had been driving towards our hotel when we spotted a large cross reflecting the evening sun.
We have visited other large crosses and many smaller ones throughout North America, but this was the first where statues were located in the park alongside the cross. This unexpected roadside attraction beckoned to us, and we found our way to explore it a little more.
Taking its inspiration from other locations that have a cross, this one was built alongside a busy highway that sees over 50,000 cars pass by every day. As with all projects, building this took time. First, the land had to be found that would allow as many people as possible to see it, and then the funds needed to be gathered to build this large structure. All of this came together, and it was ready to be dedicated and opened to the public, but then a national tragedy happened – 9/11.
Just five days after the terror event of 9/11, the cross became a permanent installation of hope. It is white and is designed to reflect as much sunlight as possible, which is how it initially caught our attention. The park features several religious statues, and based on the land, it can easily accommodate more once there is additional funding.
- Located near the intersection of I-57 and I-70, it is hard to miss.
- Plenty of parking and there was also a visitor centre. It was closed when we arrived.
- Find The Cross on my All The Places We Have Been map.
