The Bald Knob Cross of Peace was conceived in 1937 by Southern Illinois natives who wanted to create a place where people of various faiths could come together for worship. They chose a site atop Bald Knob Mountain, in the southern Illinois Ozarks, for the cross and spent more than a decade securing private funding for the construction of the cross. The tradition of Easter sunrise services at the future site of the cross began in 1937 and has been held most years since then with attendance growing into the thousands. The formal groundbreaking ceremony was held in conjunction with the 1959 Easter Sunrise Service. The framework of the Cross stood for several years until enough money was raised to cover the superstructure. The Cross was completed in 1963 when the last of over 900 heavy gauge steel panels with a bright white porcelain veneer was affixed to the framework creating a spectacular night sight which could be seen for 7,500 square miles after it was illuminated with 40,000 watts of lighting. According to local development committee the cross is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, was completed in 1963.

But over the next five decades, the once glistening cross fell into disrepair as interest in the organization faltered. In the early 2000s disputes began arising between board members which ultimately resulted in legal litigation. In 2006, the Court ordered the properties be locked down until the proceedings were concluded. Without any maintenance, the Cross fell even further into disrepair as the dispute was deadlocked in the courts. In 2008 a settlement that was supported by both sides of the conflict took place and in 2009, new life was breathed into the organization and an effort mounted to raise the funds necessary to completely refurbish Bald Knob Cross of Peace and establish appropriate tourist information on the grounds, including a visitors center and picnic areas. The Easter sunrise service continues annually at the cross as does the more recently added "Blessing of the Bikes", an event where motorcycle riders are encouraged to bring their bikes to the cross as the official kickoff of the spring and summer riding season. The blessing occurs in late April or early May and is often held in conjunction with other local events targeting motorcycle enthusiasts. Bald Knob Mountain is the highest point in Southern Illinois and offers wonderful views, particularly in the fall.