National Register of Historic Places

Roanoke Star

Roanoke (Independent City), Roanoke County, Virginia
Listed
November 15, 1999
Type
Structure
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
99001375

About this property

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 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 88.5 feet (27.0 m) tall and weighs 60,000 pounds (27,000 kg), rests 846 feet (258 m) above the city of Roanoke, and is visible for 60 miles (97 km) from the air. Its 2,000 feet (610 m) of 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 overlook are popular tourist destinations in the area.

Location

Roanoke (Independent City), Roanoke County, Virginia
37.25098, -79.93240

Categories

COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTENGINEERING
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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The Land
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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The Civil War
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The Soldiers
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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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The Community
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Rivers & Rail
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Nearby Historic Sites

Riverland Historic District
Listed
0.6 mi
Crystal Spring Steam Pumping Station
Industrial
0.7 mi
Virginian Railway Passenger Station
Industrial
0.8 mi
Roanoke River and Railroad Historic District
Listed
1 mi
Virginia Can Company-S.H. Heironimus Warehouse
Industrial
1 mi

Questions about this property

When was Roanoke Star listed on the National Register?

Roanoke Star was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1999.

What type of historic resource is Roanoke Star?

Roanoke Star is classified as a structure in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Roanoke Star?

The period of significance for Roanoke Star is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Roanoke Star?

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