what is the big cross in effingham illinois
Effingham, Illinois A 198-foot (60 m) steel cross erected by The Cross Foundation is located in Effingham. The Cross is made out of over 180 tons of steel and cost over $1 million.[21] The Cross Foundation claims that the cross is the "largest" in the United States standing at 198-foot (60 m) with a span of 113-foot (34 m).[22] While the 208-foot (63 m) Great Cross in St. Augustine, Florida is believed to be the tallest freestanding cross in the western hemisphere, it is thinner than the cross in Effingham and has a narrow span.[22][23]
Big One (roller coaster) When it opened on 28 May 1994, Big One was both the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world.[2] It was also one of the longest out-and-back roller coasters, measuring 5,497 feet (1,675 m). With a 205-foot drop and 74 mph top speed, it was second only to Steel Phantom at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania in speed, but it was the fastest coaster in Europe.[2][note 1] The Big One lost its height record to Fujiyama in Japan in 1996, though it remained the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe until 2002, when Silver Star opened at Europa-Park in Germany. The ride still remains the tallest in the United Kingdom, although Stealth in Thorpe Park is the fastest. It is also the second longest in the UK, losing only to Lightwater Valley's Ultimate.