The Roanoke Star is the World's Largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, which I am sure will give everybody goosebumps just thinking about it. It was constructed in 1949 and placed atop Mill Mountain, facing towards the city, causing Roanoke to get the nickname "Star City of the South"
It was placed at its location permanently in 1949 to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Once it proved to be popular, it was decided to be lit year round. At first, it was all white. Next, red was added, but only illuminated for one day to indicate a traffic fatality.
As part of America's Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, the current design was created, consisting of one red outer star, two white middle stars and two inner blue stars. Sometimes, the look would go to just a red star, like a flag being displayed at half-staff, or blinking-alternating colors. To commemorate September 11, 2001, the star has since remained at this same classic red, white and blue combination (with the exception of a temporary change in memory of the Virginia Tech shooting and also for routine maintenance. Starting Sunday, September 11, 2011 to mark the 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, the star went back to being all white again, except for special occasions.
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