Groom, Texas Is Home to the 2nd
Largest Cross in U.S.

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Travel 42 miles east of Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle, on Historic Route 66 or Interstate 40 and you'll find the small town of Groom, Texas. Groom is the home of the 19 story cross, that holds the record as the 2nd largest cross in the United States. Ten million people pass by the cross every year and some one thousand stop each day to view the religious tribute on the Texas High Plains.

 

 

 

The cross, the brainchild of Steve Thomas, his wife, Bobby, and their family, took some eight months to construct and was installed next to I-40 for the world to enjoy. At the time of its construction, the giant cross was the largest in the nation. However, a group in Effingham, Illinois, inspired by the cross in Groom, constructed one 8 eight feet taller, to currently hold the record in this country.

 

 

 

Located at the Carson County, Texas, location, the giant cross is surrounded by "Stations of the Cross" done by sculptor, Mickey Wells, depicting The Last Supper, and Jesus' journey to the cross.

 

 

"It's an inspiring testimony to the faith of the people of this region of Texas and is an awesome sight framed by the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of West Texas," stated one observer. "It's just so peaceful out here and gives you such a sense of the vastness of Jesus' sacrifice for us!"

 

 

"The giant cross and the depiction of Jesus' journey to the cross is a 'must-see' for anyone traveling in this part of Texas," expressed another on-looker. "It's just awesome to stand here in the vastness of a West Texas sky and reflect on the spirit of Jesus, as He gave His life for us!"

 

 

 

For additional information about the cross, you can go to www.crossministries.net.

Groom, Texas, was named for Col. B.B. Groom, an English-born cattleman, who imported both Shorthorn and Angus cattle to his ranch in West Texas, to improve the quality of livestock. Groom is given credit by some to have been the first to hire well-drillers to provide water for his cattle in the area. However, he lost much of his fortune in the endeavor and had to file bankruptcy. He later worked with his son for Mortimer Land and Cattle Company. The town of Groom honored him in 1902 when the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railway was approaching the platted town, and named the town after him. The population of Groom was 250 in 1911 and boasted a bank, hotel, post office, and school. By 1990, the town of Groom had grown to 613 residents, as a ranching and farming center, located on I-40. Groom was also a town on the historic Route 66, and reflects remnants of those days of historic travels, through the region.

Several attractions are nearby Groom, Texas, to add to your travel plans, including "The Bug Ranch," a "take-off" of its big brother attraction The Cadillac Ranch, located near Amarillo but using Volkswagon cars, a leaning water tower, that attracts a number of visitors, and of course, all the sights connected with nearby Amarillo.

 

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