History of Roanoke's Mill Mountain Star
The Mill Mountain in Star, Roanoke, Virginia
The Mill Mountain Star, also known as the Roanoke Star, is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the city of Roanoke, even lending the city the nickname of the "Star City of the South".
Construction of the Mill Mountain Star
Built in 1949, the Mill Mountain Star is the world's largest illuminated freestanding man-made star. It stands 88 feet tall and towers over the city of Roanoke from a base that is 1,045 feet above sea level. The star weighs 10,000 pounds and, thanks to the light from its over 2,000 feet of neon tubing, can be seen from the air at a distance of up to 60 miles.
The Mill Mountain Star was commissioned by the Roanoke Merchants Association who sought to promote the 1949 Christmas shopping season, and was illuminated for the first time during a ceremony featuring then-Mayor A.R. Minton on November 23, 1949.
Roanoke, VA - Star City of the South
Accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 120, the Roanoke Star is one of the most photographed objects in the region. The long-range aerial view of the city from the overlook at the star's base is one of the most popular places to photograph the city of Roanoke and its encompassing valley. In addition to the star and overlook, Mill Mountain features hiking trails, a theater, and even a zoo.
The Roanoke Star is illuminated nightly, oftentimes in all white or red, white, and blue. In the past the star's colors have been changed to note tragic events, such as the Virginia Tech massacre of 2007 and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Due to the widespread appeal of the Mill Mountain Star and the emotional connection it invokes in area residents, the iconic Mill Mountain Star is almost certain to remain a popular area attraction for generations to come.
Mill Mountain Park - Home of the Roanoke Star
The Mill Mountain Star is located in Mill Mountain Park. Covering over 568 acres, Mill Mountain Park is one of Virginia’s most distinguished parks and one of the most popular stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to the famous Roanoke Star, the park is home to Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Center, Mill Mountain Zoo, two mountain overlooks, the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, 10 miles of multi-use trails, and more.
Mill Mountain Star Address, Directions, and Hours
The address of the Mill Mountain Star is 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014, which is inside Mill Mountain Park. You can find directions to the Roanoke star here. The Roanoke Star hours are 7am-11pm daily with the possible exception of holidays.
Mill Mountain Star illuminated red, white, and blue
Visitors enjoying the view of Roanoke Valley from the Mill Mountain Star overlook
Aerial view of the Mill Mountain Star illuminated red, white, and blue
Looking up at the Mill Mountain Star illuminated white
Autumn casts a golden clue on the Mill Mountain Star in Roanoke, Virginia
Aerial view of the Mill Mountain Star at night
Vintage photo of visitors at the Mill Mountan Star overlook aka The Roanoke Star overlook
View of the Roanoke Valley from the Mill Mountain Star in the Fall
Entrance to the beloved Mill Mountain Zoo
The Mill Mountain park is great for a hike or a casual stroll
A glowing view of downtown Roanoke, VA at night from Mill Mountain
The Mill Mountain Zoo train has been delighting visitors for decades
Old black and white photo of the Mill Mountain Star
Mountain biking on Mill Mountain in Roanoke, VA
Fall colors explode at the Mill Mountain overlook with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
Sources:
https://www.visitroanokeva.com/things-to-do/attractions/roanoke-star/
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm
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About Companion Home Care Inc:
Companion Home Care is a home health care provider in Roanoke, VA that specializes in home care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Companion Home Care owner Michelle Belton has been caring for people with Alzheimer's disease since 2004 and became a Certified Dementia Practitioner® in 2010.
Companion Home Care Inc
424 Campbell Ave SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 981-2255