The Roanoke Star was constructed in 1949 and was meant to serve as a seasonal Christmas decoration for the holiday shopping season.
Through a sponsorship from the Roanoke Merchants Association, Roy C. Kinsey of Kinsey Sign Co., along with his three sons, Roy Jr., Bob and Warren, designed and built the star.
The structure is actually three stars that are formed by 2,000 feet of neon tubing.
The star was illuminated for the first time on November 23, 1949.
Through its history, the Roanoke Star has become synonymous with the region and is still one of the most talked about and recognizable icons of Virginia.
Placed atop Mill Mountain, the Roanoke Star is effortlessly accessible from the Blue Ridge parkway at Milepost 120. It is only a fifteen-minute drive to Downtown Roanoke by taking J.P. Fishburn Parkway down Mill Mountain and turning right on Jefferson Street, which leads to the heart of downtown.
Mill Mountain is also home to the Mill Mountain Zoo and Discovery center, excellent resources with a selection of fun, educational activities for children.
Mill Mountain also boasts many popular hiking and cycling paths and trails. In addition, the location features amazing picnic areas close to the overlook at the bottom of the Roanoke star.