Kay's Cross
| Kay's Cross | |
|---|---|
 Kay's Cross in 2010 | |
 | |
| Location | Kaysville, Utah, US |
| Nearest city | Layton |
| Coordinates | 41°03′02.67″N 111°55′31.25″W / 41.0507417°N 111.9253472°W |
| Elevation | 4,350 ft (1,325 m) |
| Established | 1946 (partially destroyed in 1992) |
| Visitors | Seasonal |
| Governing body | Private |
| Website | Kay's Cross Haunted Tours |
Kay's Cross was a large stone cross located in Kaysville, Utah, in a secluded area known as Kay's Hollow. It has been associated with local legends and folklore. In 1992, it was partially destroyed by an unexplained explosion. Despite this, the site continues to attract visitors interested in its history and folklore.
History
[edit]The origins of Kay's Cross remain uncertain, with multiple theories proposed. One theory suggests the cross was constructed in 1946 by members of the Kingston family, a polygamous group led by Charles Elden Kingston, who founded the Davis County Cooperative Society. The Kingstons, often referred to as "The Order," are a fundamentalist offshoot of the LDS Church and owned the land where Kay's Cross was built.[1]
Another theory connects the cross to Krishna Venta, a self-proclaimed reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Venta, born Francis Pencovic, was a religious leader based in California but reportedly had ties to Utah. According to Malvern Hansen, a descendant of the Kingston family, Venta convinced the family to construct the cross as a symbol of "Knowledge." Hansen’s journal states that the "K" on the cross represented "Knowledge" and not Kaysville or Krishna, as some have speculated. The design included grooves meant to hold religious texts, which were intended to be covered by stained glass. However, the project was abandoned when Venta left Utah to establish his movement in California.[2] Venta was later killed in a bombing orchestrated by two of his followers in 1958.[3]
In 1992 an explosion caused extensive damage to Kay's Cross, scattering debris across the area. The culprit remains unknown, with theories ranging from vandalism to intentional destruction by landowners or authorities aiming to discourage trespassing and rumored occult activities. Despite its damaged state, the site continues to attract visitors.[4][5]
Description
[edit]Kay's Cross was a large stone structure, approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) tall and 13 feet (4.0 m) wide. It featured a prominent "K" at its top, which has been interpreted in various ways. Some believe the "K" symbolized "Knowledge" or "Kingdom," while others suggest it referenced William Kay, the founder of Kaysville. The cross’s location in the secluded Kay's Hollow added to its mystique.[6]
Myths and legends
[edit]Kay's Cross has been the subject of numerous legends, many involving supernatural or dark themes. One story claims it was built by a polygamist who murdered his wives and buried them around its base. Another version suggests the heart of his seventh wife was encased within the structure.[7]
In the 1980s, rumors surfaced that the site was used for satanic rituals, fueled by reports of animal remains—such as dogs, raccoons, and squirrels—found near the cross. Although no evidence supports these claims, they contributed to speculation about sacrificial practices.[5] Other legends include sightings of werewolves, glowing lights, and unexplained voices in the area.[1]
Visitors have reported unusual experiences near the cross, such as hearing strange noises, witnessing glowing lights, or feeling unwell. These stories remain unverified but have become part of the local lore surrounding the site.[5]
Popular culture
[edit]Haunted attraction
[edit]In 2013, the site was opened to the public as a haunted attraction called "Haunted Kay's Cross." Visitors are guided to the remains of the cross while hearing stories about its history and associated legends.[6]
Ghost Adventures
[edit]Kay's Cross was featured in a 2018 episode of Ghost Adventures titled "Kay's Hollow," which explored its legends and alleged paranormal activity.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Greg Christensen (October 20, 2022). "The Strange, Awful Truth Behind Utah's Eerie Stone Cross". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ Andy Weeks (July 1, 2012). Haunted Utah: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Beehive State. Stackpole Books. pp. 35–. ISBN 978-0-8117-4875-9.
- ^ Scott Harrison (January 28, 2011). "Krishna Venta killed in bombing". LA Times. Archived from the original on 2011-02-02. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ "Kay's Cross". Utah Gothic. 2006-06-17. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ a b c Tilton, Ben (2016-09-29). "Kay's Cross". SLUG Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ a b Winslow, Ben (2013-09-13). "Mysterious Kaysville cross opens to the public". Fox 13. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ Harward, Randy (2017-10-25). "Salt Lake Eerie: 31 Spots In and Around SLC to Get Your Spook On". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
- ^ "Ghost Adventures: Kay's Hollow". IMDb. 2018. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
