{{Short description|United States historic place}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox NRHP | name = Roanoke Star | nrhp_type = | designated_other1 = Virginia Landmarks Register | designated_other1_date = September 15, 1999<ref name=register>{{cite web |title=Virginia Landmarks Register |url=http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm |publisher=Virginia Department of Historic Resources |access-date=19 March 2013 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053819/http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | designated_other1_number = 128-0352 | designated_other1_num_position = bottom | image = Roanoke star.jpg | caption = Roanoke Star seen at early evening | location = Mill Mountain, [[Roanoke, Virginia]] | coordinates = {{coord|37|15|3|N|79|55|57|W|region:US-VA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | locmapin = Virginia#USA | built = 1949 | architect = Roy C. Kinsey; Roanoke Iron and Bridge Works | architecture = | added = November 15, 1999 | area = {{cvt|0.5|acre}} | refnum = 99001375<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref> }}
The '''Roanoke Star''', also known as the '''Mill Mountain Star''', is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. It was constructed at the top of Mill Mountain in [[Roanoke, Virginia]] in 1949 by the local [[Trade association|merchants association]] to draw publicity and trade to the city. The star was initially intended to be lit only during [[Christmas]] seasons, but was popular enough with the citizens of Roanoke that it is illuminated every night year-round. It stands {{Convert|88.5|ft|m|}} tall and weighs {{Convert|60000|lbs|kg}}, rests {{Convert|846|ft|m}} above the city of Roanoke, and is visible for {{Convert|60|mi|km}} from the air. Its {{Convert|2000|ft|m}} of [[Neon lighting|neon tubing]] are typically lit entirely in white, but have the ability to shine solely in red (historically for tragic events), or in red, white, and blue (for patriotic holidays). The star has become a symbol of Roanoke and the source of its nickname "Star City of the South", and it along with its accompanying [[Scenic viewpoint|scenic overlook]] are popular tourist destinations in the area.
== History == Mill Mountain is a {{Convert|1703|ft|m|-tall|adj=mid}} peak that stands detached from surrounding ranges and lies fully within Roanoke's city limits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mill Mountain Park (including Star Trail) |url=https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/mill-mountain-park-including-star-trail/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=dwr.virginia.gov |language=en |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131065728/https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/mill-mountain-park-including-star-trail/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The mountain has been used for recreation nearly since the city's beginnings; a resort hotel and observation tower each opened at its top in 1892, an early amusement park was built at its base in 1903, and beginning in 1910 visitors could pay a quarter to ride an [[Mill Mountain Incline|incline railway]] straight to the summit.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Harris |first=Nelson |title=Roanoke in Vintage Postcards |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=0-7385-1439-X}}</ref> By the mid-20th century, however, all of those attractions had closed or burned, and the city was debating to what degree the mountain should be developed.<ref name="VAnom">{{cite web |author=Anne Stuart Beckett |date=July 1999 |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Roanoke Star |url=https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/128-0352_Roanoke_Star_1999_Final_Nomination.pdf |publisher=Virginia Department of Historic Resources |access-date=August 19, 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131010846/https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/128-0352_Roanoke_Star_1999_Final_Nomination.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 1949, in an attempt to provide Roanoke with nationwide publicity and increase commerce in the city, the Roanoke Merchants Association devised the idea to erect a giant illuminated star on the top of Mill Mountain, overlooking [[Downtown Roanoke|the city's downtown]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1949 |title=Mill Mountain Star to be Cut On Wednesday |pages=47 |work=The Roanoke Times}}</ref> The group began a fundraising drive with downtown merchants (the anticipated beneficiaries of the plan), with the goal of raising $25,000.<ref name="VAnom" /> After contributions from the city and the Merchants Association itself, the final cost of $28,000 was raised, and work on the project commenced.<ref name="VAnom" /><ref name="Turns">Berrier Jr., Ralph. "Our star turns 65." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', November 23, 2014: E1.</ref> The Roy C. Kinsey Sign Company was contracted to build the star, while the Roanoke Iron and Bridge Works designed the steel support tower and {{Convert|2000|ft|m}} of [[Neon lighting|neon tubing]] were manufactured by the [[Corning Inc.|Corning Glass Works]].<ref>Kittredge, Kevin. "The star was born." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', November 22, 2009: 1.</ref><ref name="VAnom" /> In its completed form, the star measures {{Convert|88.5|ft|m|}} in height and is mounted on an eight-story-tall steel structure weighing {{Convert|60000|lbs|kg}}, resting on a base made using {{Convert|500000|lbs|kg}} of concrete.<ref name="VAnom" /> It is considered the largest free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world,<ref name="VAnom" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roanoke Star in Virginia's Blue Ridge |url=https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/attractions/roanoke-star/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=www.visitroanokeva.com |language=en-us |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612202756/https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/attractions/roanoke-star/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|group=note|name=first|[[El Paso, Texas]] has a larger [[Star on the Mountain|man-made star]], but it is not permanently erected on a steel structure.<ref>Reed, Ray. "Star of Texas Tries to Top Roanoke's." Roanoke Times, The (VA), October 1, 1998: B1.</ref>}} and when lit, can be seen from {{Convert|60|mi|km}} away.<ref name="VAnom" />
The star's debut was planned for November in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas shopping season, but construction and weather delays threatened to push the opening back.<ref name="VAnom" /> The star was completed on time, however, and on Thanksgiving Eve, November 23, 1949, Roanoke mayor A.R. Minton hit the power switch for the first time (though in reality the switch was a dummy; Bob Kinsey of the Roy C. Kinsey Sign Company threw the actual switch from behind a circuit box).<ref name="Facts">"STAR FACTS." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', November 14, 1999: 7.</ref> Former U.S. Congressman [[Clifton A. Woodrum]] spoke at the ceremony and compared the attraction to the [[Star of Bethlehem]], quoting the Book of Matthew by saying, "When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."<ref name="VAnom" /> Another attendee at the dedication was actor and Roanoke native [[John Payne (actor)|John Payne]].<ref name="Facts" /> Payne had a close connection to another Roanoke landmark; as a child growing up in the city, he provided the winning entry in a contest to name the [[Patrick Henry Hotel]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barnes |first=Raymond P. |title=A History of the City of Roanoke |publisher=Commonwealth Press, Inc. |year=1968 |pages=639}}</ref>
While it was originally planned for the star to be illuminated only during [[Christmas]] seasons, it was popular enough with the city's population that the Merchant's Association decided to keep it lit year-round.<ref name="Facts" /> The association paid the electric bill until 1955 when the city began assuming the cost.<ref name="VAnom" />
[[Image:Roanoke Star in white.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Roanoke Star on its first night lit in white following the Virginia Tech massacre. Note several sections out.]]Initially, the star was illuminated entirely white. From 1957 until 1976, the star's color changed from white to red for a period of two nights to indicate a traffic fatality in the city.<ref name="VAnom" /><ref name="Roadside America">{{cite web |url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2233 |title=The Mill Mountain Star |access-date=2009-02-18 |publisher=Roadside America |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213105314/http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2233 |url-status=live }}</ref> It remained red for three nights following the [[assassination of John F. Kennedy]], and for five after the [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'' disaster]].<ref name="VAnom" /> Additionally, the city voluntarily left the star dark during the [[1973 oil crisis|1973 energy crisis]].<ref name="VAnom" /> As part of the [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial celebration]] in 1976, the design was changed to an outer single star of red encompassing inner double-stars of white and blue.<ref name="Roadside America"/> After the [[September 11 attacks]], the star was kept in a red, white, and blue configuration for nearly six years, until April 22, 2007. On that day, officials changed the color configuration to all-white "as a symbol of healing and hope" after the [[Virginia Tech shooting]].<ref name="Lose">Codispoti, Amanda. "Star to Lose White Lights Soon." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', May 16, 2007: B3.</ref><ref>Podger, Pamela J.. "Roanoke Service Feels the Pain." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', April 20, 2007: S12.</ref> Red, white and blue colors were restored May 24, 2007 and remained that way until returning to all white on September 12, 2011.<ref name="Lose" /><ref>Adams, Mason. "Star glows white again." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', September 13, 2011: A10.</ref> The star has remained white since, with the exception of switching to red, white, and blue each [[Memorial Day]], [[Flag Day (United States)|Flag Day]], [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]], [[September 11 National Day of Service|September 11]], and [[Veterans Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roanoke Star {{!}} Roanoke, VA |url=https://www.roanokeva.gov/1329/Roanoke-Star |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=www.roanokeva.gov |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822152136/https://www.roanokeva.gov/1329/Roanoke-Star |url-status=live }}</ref>[[Image:Roanoke City (Virginia) from Mill Mountain Star at Dusk.jpg|thumb|300px|View from the overlook in front of the Mill Mountain Star.]]The star has undergone maintenance on a number of occasions. The steel structure has been painted and received minor repairs in 1971 and 1987.<ref name="Facts" /> The star itself was painted in 1979 and 1998, and electrical repairs were performed in 1997 and 2007.<ref name="Facts" /><ref name="Turns" /> A 2019 inspection determined that the steel structure was in excellent shape for its age; however, in 2021, an internal study done by the city showed significant rust and damage to the anchors of the sheet metal base that hold the neon tubing.<ref name="Repairs">Hunter, Molly. "Roanoke's Star staying put, but needs repairs Mill Mountain Star's maintenance, future at issue." ''Roanoke Times, The (VA)'', May 22, 2023: 1A.</ref> The lights themselves are difficult to maintain, and the entirety of the steel structure is covered in lead paint, which according to the 2021 report would cost $3 million to remove.<ref name="Repairs" /> {{As of|2023}}, the city was undecided what renovation (or, potentially, replacement) steps would be taken, but City Manager Bob Cowell has said no action would occur in time for the attraction's 75th anniversary in 2024.<ref name="Repairs" />
While at its inception the star had its detractors, including those who thought it tacky or believed the money could be spent in more constructive ways,<ref name="VAnom" /><ref name="Turns" /> it has since become a fixture for Roanokers and is considered "the city's front porch light".<ref name="Turns" /> The star's scenic overlook rises {{Convert|846|ft|m}} above the Roanoke River below, and its dramatic views of the [[Roanoke Valley]] makes it a popular destination for area residents to take visiting friends and family.<ref name="VAnom" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Engels |first=Jonathon |date=2021-08-27 |title=Visiting Mill Mountain Park & the Roanoke Star in Roanoke VA |url=https://blueridgemountainstravelguide.com/mill-mountain-park-roanoke-star-virginia/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |language=en-US |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822192252/https://blueridgemountainstravelguide.com/mill-mountain-park-roanoke-star-virginia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The star, overlook, and [[Mill Mountain Zoo]] are accessible both from Roanoke and from a spur of the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]], and the mountain features a network of trails for [[hiking]], [[mountain biking]], and [[Equestrianism|horseback riding]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mill Mountain Trails – Greenways |url=https://greenways.org/trails/mill-mountain-trails/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822192252/https://greenways.org/trails/mill-mountain-trails/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery class="center" widths="200" heights="180"> File:The Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke VA, October 23 2006, just after half seven in the morning.jpg|The Star as captured at dawn by UK photographer Kevin McDonnell in the Fall of 2006. File:Mill Mountain Star Neon Lights.JPG|The Star with red, white, and blue neon lights illuminated. File:Roanoke Star (wide view).jpg|The Star and its commemorative plaques. File:Roanoke Star (view from below).jpg|The Star viewed from under the structure. </gallery>
== Notes == {{reflist|group=note}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{commons category|Roanoke Star}} * {{Official site|https://www.roanokeva.gov/1329/Roanoke-Star}} * [https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/attractions/roanoke-star/ The Roanoke Star at Virginia's Blue Ridge]
{{National Register of Historic Places in Virginia}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia]] [[Category:Mountains of Virginia]] [[Category:Blue Ridge Mountains]] [[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Roanoke, Virginia]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Roanoke, Virginia]] [[Category:Mountains of Roanoke County, Virginia]] [[Category:1949 establishments in Virginia]]