The Jumonville Cross in Fayette County is the second-tallest cross in Pennsylvania!
For more than 70 years it was THE tallest cross in PA, before being eclipsed by The Cross at Hilltop Baptist Church in Indiana County in 2023, a 108 foot-tall structure.
The 60 foot-tall Jumonville Cross is perched high atop Dunbar’s Knob, which itself stands 2,480 feet above sea level.
Since 1950, this iconic symbol has been attracting the faithful and the curious to Jumonville, just outside Uniontown.
How to Find the Jumonville Cross
The Jumonville Cross (also known as the Great Cross of Christ) is located on the grounds of the Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center in Fayette County.
Jumonville is a Christian camp and retreat center with summer programs for all ages, and retreat space for groups year-round.
While the summer camps have been popular since the 1940s, the grounds here have also served as a school for orphans of the Civil War and, later, those of the Spanish-American War.
The paved walkway to the Jumonville Cross is located on the southern side of the Jumonville camp, with parking located along Old Braddock Road.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 39.88425, -79.64454 to find the parking area and trailhead (pictured below).
Please remember you are a guest here and observe the rules of the camp, as indicated on the sign at the trailhead.
Hiking to the Jumonville Cross
Start your hike to the Jumonville Cross by walking around the gate (meant to keep vehicles out) and up the paved walkway.
The trail is roughly 0.4 miles long, with 230 feet of elevation gain along the way (and there are benches to rest at along the trail).
The trail also affords some beautiful views of both the Jumonville camp and Uniontown in the distance.
Exploring the Jumonville Cross and Scenic Overlook
Seeing the Jumonville Cross up-close is truly remarkable!
The main shaft of the cross stands 60 feet tall and weighs about 47,000 pounds, while the two projecting “arms” of the cross are each 12 feet long.
The materials for the Jumonville Cross were all locally sourced – U.S. Steel rolled steel plates, Moore Metal Works in Greensburg fabricated its three sections, and Dils Construction Company of Uniontown welded them together on location at Dunbar’s Knob.
The cross was erected on August 26, 1950, and the Dedication services were held September 9, 1950.
Not only is the cross itself inspiring, but the views from its base are spectacular.
On a clear day Dunbar’s Knob boasts a view of three states and seven counties, with sights up to 50 miles away!
Final Thoughts
Since the 1950’s, people from around the globe have made their way to Jumonville to gaze upon the massive cross on Dunbar’s Knob, the second-largest cross in Pennsylvania.
This monument to peace and hope is a must-see when passing through Fayette County, impressive not only for its sheer size, but for the inspirational symbolism and magnificent views as well.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Fayette County is the site of the first battle in what would become known in North America as the French and Indian War (and known elsewhere as the Seven Years War), a global struggle for empire between the two superpowers of that time, France and England.
Laurel Caverns is billed as “Pennsylvania’s Largest Cave”, and is a great way to spend an hour or two BENEATH Fayette County!
Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and known as “the best all-time work of American architecture”, is located nearby in Fayette County and available for tours.
Kentuck Knob in Fayette County is a another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home you can tour, built in 1954 for Isaac and Bernardine Hagan, founders of the Hagan Ice Cream company in nearby Uniontown, PA.
10 Must-See Waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park is your guide to Fayette County’s biggest and best falls.
The 10 Best Hiking Trails at Ohiopyle State Park is your insider’s guide to the best hiking in Fayette County.
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