The cross at Wickliffe began in 1937 when a few members of a community choir, led by Mrs. Noah Geveden, erected a small wooden cross on a hill at the Ancient Buried City, now known as Wickliffe Mounds Research Center, in Wickliffe, Kentucky. In 1951, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Geveden furnished materials for a 35-foot pole with cross arms to replace the smaller cross, and Bill Howle wired it with 325 bulbs that were lit each year during Easter and Christmas. After Murray State University purchased the location in 1981, plans turned to a new cross tall enough to be seen from Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. Fort Jefferson hill, the highest point along the river, was chosen after the city purchased a 38-acre tract there on July 26, 1989, following requests from citizens encouraged by Margaret Phillips. The name Cross at the Confluence was suggested by Juett Owens, Jr. because of the site above the meeting of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and the idea of citizens of the tri-states flowing together in support of construction, and Memorial was added when the project was dedicated to honoring loved ones. Representatives of 51 churches in Ballard County were invited to serve on a countywide committee, which first met at St. Mary Catholic Church in LaaCenter on March 8, 1990, under the leadership of Rev. Jack Studie, with 23 churches represented. A board of directors was formed, the design and materials were finalized in 1991, soil borings confirmed the site could support a 90-foot freestanding cross, and a fundraising goal of $150,000 was set. By February 22, 1992, $21,762 had been raised through memorial gifts, donations, aluminum cans, and activities such as a cross walk, and a major Easter 1992 fundraiser began with the sale of granite bricks inscribed in honor or memory of loved ones for placement around the base. Ground was broken on May 22, 1994, and the project proceeded in two phases: construction of the foundation and surrounding deck, followed by construction of the 90-foot cross. Simmons Engineering of Paducah designed the project, Bass Maintenance of Wickliffe completed Phase I in 1994, Earnest Brown laid the first bricks in March 1995, and by December 31, 1996, 823 bricks had been sold and $150,000 had been raised. Rising costs increased the total from the original $150,000 projection to $300,000, but after a bank loan and the board members co-signing a note, the final phase was completed on April 4, 1999. Jerry Dunn Construction added an outer walkway and brick wall area in 2000 as more bricks were sold. On August 29, 2002, the final bank loan payment was made after a total of $316,405 had been raised. The site has since been used for weddings, memorial services, candlelight services on September 11, the annual Easter sunrise service, and visits by local residents and travelers on Highway 51, with donations supporting its upkeep and maintenance.