Light the Blue Cross in Key West

The Centennial Cross was constructed in 1937 to commemorate the Centennial of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. It was paid for by the Archdiocese, Knights of Columbus Council 510 and St. Joseph's Parish in Key West. The Cross overlooks the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Key West south of Dubuque. 

For many years after its construction the Cross was visible for miles outside of Dubuque and served as an evening beacon to travelers entering Dubuque and Dubuquers returning home. Over the years trees have grown tall enough to block the lights on the Cross making it hard to see. In addition, the Cross’s neon bulbs are fragile and break easily from wind and driving rainstorms.

In January of 2019 the Archdiocese sold the Cross and the 20' x 20' piece of land on which it sits to the Knights Of Columbus Council 510/Joliet Building Corporation. They established the Centennial Cross Organization devoted to refurbishing, lighting and maintaining the Cross for future generations. The plan is to raise the cross so it can be seen above the tree line and lighting both sides of the Cross with LED lights.

Because of its proximity to the Dubuque Regional Airport the FAA had to be consulted and after a case study they gave us permission to go forward with our plans. We also successfully obtained a required zoning variance and last year the Dubuque Zoning Board voted unanimously to give us a building permit. Our plan is to add to the concrete footing, build a concrete structure and a new galvanized steel mid-section measuring 52' tall and refurbish the existing Cross giving it a total height of 125'. The budget for this project including a maintenance fund is $250,000.

We’ve come this far but in order to finish this project we need your help!! We are turning to you and other community members and business leaders for help. We would like to count on you and/or your organization to make a contribution to the fund we’ve established to bring the cross back to it’s former glory and even better! With your help the “Blue Cross in Key West” will live on to act as that beacon on the hill for generations to come.

Please help us by sending your donation today.