What is the history of Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Star?
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — It sits 88 feet tall on Mill Mountain and looks over the Roanoke Valley. Each of its five points brightens the Roanoke sky every night. The Roanoke Star, also known as the ‘Mill Mountain Star’ has become a local area staple.
History
The Roanoke Star was designed and created in 1949 and built by Roy C. Kinsey and his three sons Roy Jr., Bob, and Warren. It was first intended to serve as a seasonal decoration during the holidays, but its popularity led it to remain permanently. The star was first lit on November 23rd, 1949, by former Roanoke Mayor A. R. Hinton and John Payne.
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Fun Facts
The giant structure is formed of three stars that are held together by 2,000 feet of neon tubing and can be seen from 60 miles in the air. Its primary colors are white but can be lit red and/or blue. If the star is solid red on any given day, it symbolizes a traffic fatality has occurred.
Its total construction cost was $28,000 and stands 1,847 feet above sea level, consuming 17,500 watts of power. On August 12th, 2006, the star went dark for eight days to undergo electrical maintenance upgrades, but since it has been shining bright.
The Roanoke Star is the largest free-standing man-made illuminated star in the world and the most photographed attraction in the Roanoke area.
How to Visit
When visiting the Roanoke Star visitors can go from the Blue Ridge Parkway and take the Mill Mountain Parkway exit, Milepost 120, or through Walnut Avenue from Downtown Roanoke.
To plan your visit and more information, visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge website.
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