Bald Knob Cross

In the minor controversy over the grant from the state. the Friends of Bald Knob Cross are now advancing that argument that Bald Knob Cross is a major tourist attraction in southern Illinois, attracting upwards of 500 people during a summer weekend, and that the grant was sought and approved based on that function of the cross, rather than its religious significance. Interesting way to look at it since, in my experience at least, most religious sites, while they certainly appreciate any money generated by tourism, emphasize the religious aspect of the site over the secular one and are somewhat put out when you look at their church, temple, etc. as a tourist attraction. You can listen to the interview here.