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Nelsonville, Ohio: World's Largest Personal Cross

Long surpassed by other lofty crosses, this is still the world's only large cross dedicated to a woman -- the builder's wife -- as well as to an all-powerful deity.

Address:
St. Charles St., Nelsonville, OH
Directions:
From US Hwy 33/E. Canal St. in downtown, turn north at the traffic light (just past McDonald's) onto Watkins St. Drive two blocks until it ends. Turn right on Poplar St. Drive one block. Turn left on St. Charles St. Follow St. Charles all the way up the hill until it ends, park, then walk about a hundred yards to the cross. Don't attempt on a rainy day.
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World's Largest Cross.

World's Largest Cross

The world's largest cross can be found up a long, narrow and windy road. There is a little place to pull to the side and park at the end of the road, although there is a rusty sign that asks you not to. You can walk about 50 yards down the hill to a steep, but manageable path that will lead you straight to the cross. The cross stands tall and is lit at night -- an incredible view of the city it stands over.

[Angela & Matt, 02/15/2010]
World's Largest Cross

The world's largest cross stands on a hill overlooking the town of Nelsonville, Ohio. The cross has been there since at least the 1960s. It was erected as a memorial to a man's wife "Betty," and to God. You can see the cross from State Rt. 33, which runs right through the town.

[Lisa S, 02/24/2002]

Walter "Bud" Schwartz erected the cross on Kontner's Hill in 1973. It's made of steel and aluminum, coated with white enamel. 65 feet tall, 25 feet across. Other, larger crosses have since eclipsed its record, but this is still the world's largest personal cross....


Nearby Offbeat Places

Round HouseRound House, Haydenville, OH - 5 mi.
117-Year Old Mine Fire117-Year Old Mine Fire, New Straitsville, OH - 8 mi.
Coal Miner StatueCoal Miner Statue, Shawnee, OH - 10 mi.
In the region:
Chief Cornstalk's Vengeful Bones, Point Pleasant, WV - 43 mi.

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