Alto Pass in Union County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

"The Symbol"

Photographed by Thomas Smith, September 25, 2025

1. "The Symbol" Marker

Inscription. Today on this hill stands a cross, the primary symbol of the Christian faith. For thousands of years, millions and millions of people have found new life and hope through the faith in God this symbol represents. It is the hope and prayer of the Bald Knob Cross community that this symbol of faith can bring new life to you through Jesus Christ.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 37° 33.132′ N, 89° 20.799′ W. Marker is in Alto Pass, Illinois, in Union County. It is on Bald Knob Road 5 miles Chestnut Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3735 Bald Knob Rd, Alto Pass IL 62905, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt

and in Shawnee Hills.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: "The Cross in the New Millennium" (here, next to this marker); "The Pig Lady and the Cross" (here, next to this marker); "The Beginning of the Cross" (here, next to this marker); "Funding the Cross" (here, next to this marker); "Building the Cross" (here, next to this marker); In Memory of Wayland R. Presley (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Rendleman Orchards Historic District (approx. 3.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alto Pass.

The Cross sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, September 25, 2025

2. The Cross sculpture

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.