The statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ stands on top of a mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Everybody knows it. But the United States has its own statue of “Christ the Redeemer” and, if you haven’t visited it yet, you should give it a try when you have a chance.
The seven-story ‘Christ of the Ozarks’ Statue continues to be one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks since it was completed in 1966. Standing sixty-seven feet high, the statue overlooks the picturesque Victorian village of Eureka Springs, in Arkansas.
Christ of the Ozarks was an idea of Gerald L. K. Smith and designed by Emmet Sullivan. It was made of 24 layers of white mortar on a steel frame, and it weighs over 500 tons.
Controversial background
Gerald L. K. Smith, a very controversial figure, was an activist associated with Holocaust denial, racism, antisemitism, and pro-Nazi sympathies. He retired to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he bought and renovated an old mansion. On other parts of the estate 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 called Christ of the Ozarks.
He also built a 4,100-seat amphitheater. This is the site of seasonal annual outdoor performances of’ The Great Passion’ Play, styled after the show performed in Oberammergau, Germany. It is performed 3 nights a week from the first week of May through the end of October.
The statue does not please everyone and receives a lot of criticism. It has been nicknamed “Gumby Jesus” and “Our Milk Carton with Arms” by critics.