The statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ is located atop a mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Everyone knows that. But the United States has its own statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, and if you haven’t visited it yet, you should make a trip there when you get the chance.
The seven-story statue of ‘Christ of the Ozarks’ has been one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks since it was completed in 1966. Standing eighteen meters tall, the statue overlooks the picturesque Victorian village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
The Christ of the Ozarks was an idea of Gerald L. K. Smith and designed by Emmet Sullivan. It was made with 24 layers of white mortar over a steel structure and weighs over 500 tons.
Controversial History
Gerald L. K. Smith, a very controversial figure, was an activist associated with Holocaust denial, racism, antisemitism, and pro-Nazi views. He retired in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he bought and renovated an old mansion. In other parts of the property, he planned a religious theme park, which he called ‘Sacred Projects’. He commissioned the centerpiece, a gigantic statue of Jesus, completed in 1966, which he named Christ of the Ozarks.
He also built a 4,100-seat amphitheater. This is the site of the annual outdoor seasonal performances of the ‘Passion of Christ’ inspired by the show held in Oberammergau, Germany. It is held three nights a week from the first week of May until the end of October.
The statue does not please everyone and receives much criticism. It has been nicknamed ‘Gumby Jesus’ and ‘Our Milk Box with Arms’ by critics.