George Cove Mountain
Photo by: K. Bruce Lane
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If you come into Holyrood by boat and look straight
ahead, the land forms into a kind of cross. The cross is symbolic of Holyrood - Holy Cross
( "Holyrode" is in interpreted by some
historians to mean "Holy Cross" from the ancientSaxon word "rode"
meaning "staff or cross."). In WWII,
while the American Forces were stationed in Argentia Navel Base, they decided to erect a
cross on George Cove Mountain. They made a large wooden cross and mounted it securely at
the top of the mountain. The Cross stood for a good many years but due to eventual
deterioration, it gave way one day in a norwesterly gale. It was blown over the mountain
and shattered to pieces.
The initial idea was the "Cross on the Hill" would last
for the duration of Come Home Year but it stood there from 1966 until the winter of
1991-1992. On June 30, 1992, the Cross was once again restored. The town continues to
maintain it as a welcoming light to all who approach Holyrood by land, sea or air.
In 1999, the Town
constructed a hiking trail which leads to the top of the mountain.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the trail - you will not be disappointed!
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