What's The Story Behind That Big Star In Roanoke, Virginia?

For more than 70 years, a brightly lit star has twinkled high above Mill Mountain greeting residents and visitors of Roanoke, Virginia. But where did it come from and how did it get there?

The History Of The Roanoke Star

Originally erected to celebrate Christmas and encourage holiday shopping, the Roanoke Star was commissioned by the Roanoke Merchants Association (today's version of the Chamber of Commerce) and built by local, family-owned company Kinsey Sign Co, led by Roy C. Kinsey and his three sons, Roy Jr., Bob, and Warren. 

The steel star, which is actually three stars—a small center star with two sets of outlining frames—was lit for the first time on November 23, 1949 in an event that was attended by around 100 people, including John Payne, a Roanoke native and star of Miracle on 34th Street. 

Measuring 88.5 feet high and weighing 10,000 pounds, the star, which cost $28,000 to build, was to be dismantled at the end of that first holiday season. Nearly a century later, it remains.

"The Roanoke Star was so popular among locals that the city quickly decided it would stay up year-round," Kathryn Lucas, director of public relations for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, tells Southern Living. "And we don’t have a closet big enough to store it in."

Originally a holiday installation, the star, which sits 1,045 feet above the city, has become a fixture of southwest Virginia.

"The Roanoke Star has sat atop Mill Mountain for almost 75 years, and there are very few residents who can remember a time before we became the Star City,” City of Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. tells Southern Living, referencing the city’s nickname, The Star City of the South.

From downtown Roanoke to the Wasena Bridge, the Roanoke River Greenway, and neighborhoods across the city, the Roanoke Star can be seen shining each evening. 

"It is a must-see special attraction for those traveling to Roanoke and a comforting reminder of home for those who live here," Lea says.

Using more than 2,000 feet of neon tubing, the star was originally illuminated white and has maintained its warm glow, though there have been color changes throughout the years, as well as short periods of time where the star has been turned off.

In September 2001, the structure was illuminated red, white, and blue as a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, and it went dark completely on April 16, 2008 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre.

According to the City of Roanoke's website, “going forward, the star will remain white year-round but will be illuminated red, white, and blue on the following days as a tribute and sign of patriotism: Memorial Day (May), Flag Day (June 14), July 4, Sept. 11, and Veteran's Day (Nov. 11).”

Visitors wanting an up-close look at the famed fixture, which is the largest free-standing man-made light up star in the world, are in luck.

"The most accessible way to visit the Roanoke Star is by car. It’s just a short 10-minute drive from Downtown Roanoke up Mill Mountain," Lucas says. "If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can also hike the Star Trail up Mill Mountain. It is a steep 1.4-mile trail with over 750 feet of elevation gain."

As technology has evolved, so has the famed Roanoke adornment. Today, the star features a camera that live streams from the base.

"Visitors can wave to their family and friends as they watch on the livestream," Lucas says.