Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025.
This virtual is for placed for the "Stars" in my life, in memory of my precious Mother (who was born in the Gretna area) and in honor of my two amazing granddaughters who live here. 
*** Mill Mountain Park Hours are daily from 7 am until 11pm.
THE ROANOKE STAR
The Roanoke Star is listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1999, and the Virginia Landmark Register.
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.
History
Mill Mountain is a 1,703-foot-tall (519 m) peak that stands detached from surrounding ranges and lies fully within Roanoke's city limits.[3] The mountain has been used for recreation nearly since the city's beginnings; a resort hotel and observation tower each opened at its top in 1892, an early amusement park was built at its base in 1903, and beginning in 1910 visitors could pay a quarter to ride an incline railway straight to the summit.[4] By the mid-20th century, however, all of those attractions had closed or burned, and the city was debating to what degree the mountain should be developed.[5]
In 1949, in an attempt to provide Roanoke with nationwide publicity and increase commerce in the city, the Roanoke Merchants Association devised the idea to erect a giant illuminated star on the top of Mill Mountain, overlooking the city's downtown.[6] The group began a fundraising drive with downtown merchants (the anticipated beneficiaries of the plan), with the goal of raising $25,000.[5] After contributions from the city and the Merchants Association itself, the final cost of $28,000 was raised, and work on the project commenced.[5][7] The Roy C. Kinsey Sign Company was contracted to build the star, while the Roanoke Iron and Bridge Works designed the steel support tower and 2,000 feet (610 m) of neon tubing were manufactured by the Corning Glass Works.
[5] In its completed form, the star measures 88.5 feet (27.0 m) in height and is mounted on an eight-story-tall steel structure weighing 60,000 pounds (27,000 kg), resting on a base made using 500,000 pounds (230,000 kg) of concrete.[5] It is considered the largest free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world,[5][9][note 1] and when lit, can be seen from 60 miles (97 km) away.[5]
The star's debut was planned for November in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas shopping season, but construction and weather delays threatened to push the opening back.[5] The star was completed on time, however, and on Thanksgiving Eve, November 23, 1949, Roanoke mayor A.R. Minton hit the power switch for the first time (though in reality the switch was a dummy; Bob Kinsey of the Roy C. Kinsey Sign Company threw the actual switch from behind a circuit box).[11] Former U.S. Congressman Clifton A. Woodrum spoke at the ceremony and compared the attraction to the Star of Bethlehem, quoting the Book of Matthew by saying, "When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."[5] Another attendee at the dedication was actor and Roanoke native John Payne.[11] Payne had a close connection to another Roanoke landmark; as a child growing up in the city, he provided the winning entry in a contest to name the Patrick Henry Hotel.[12]
While it was originally planned for the star to be illuminated only during Christmas seasons, it was popular enough with the city's population that the Merchant's Association decided to keep it lit year-round.[11] The association paid the electric bill until 1955 when the city began assuming the cost.[5]
The Roanoke Star on its first night lit in white following the Virginia Tech massacre. Note several sections out.
Initially, the star was illuminated entirely white. From 1957 until 1976, the star's color changed from white to red for a period of two nights to indicate a traffic fatality in the city.[5][13] It remained red for three nights following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and for five after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.[5] Additionally, the city voluntarily left the star dark during the 1973 energy crisis.[5] As part of the bicentennial celebration in 1976, the design was changed to an outer single star of red encompassing inner double-stars of white and blue.[13] After the September 11 attacks, the star was kept in a red, white, and blue configuration for nearly six years, until April 22, 2007. On that day, officials changed the color configuration to all-white "as a symbol of healing and hope" after the Virginia Tech shooting.[14][15] Red, white and blue colors were restored May 24, 2007 and remained that way until returning to all white on September 12, 2011.[14][16] The star has remained white since, with the exception of switching to red, white, and blue each Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, September 11, and Veterans Day.[17]
View from the overlook in front of the Mill Mountain Star.
The star has undergone maintenance on a number of occasions. The steel structure has been painted and received minor repairs in 1971 and 1987.[11] The star itself was painted in 1979 and 1998, and electrical repairs were performed in 1997 and 2007.[11][7] A 2019 inspection determined that the steel structure was in excellent shape for its age; however, in 2021, an internal study done by the city showed significant rust and damage to the anchors of the sheet metal base that hold the neon tubing.[18] The lights themselves are difficult to maintain, and the entirety of the steel structure is covered in lead paint, which according to the 2021 report would cost $3 million to remove.[18] As of 2023, the city was undecided what renovation (or, potentially, replacement) steps would be taken, but City Manager Bob Cowell has said no action would occur in time for the attraction's 75th anniversary in 2024.[18]
While at its inception the star had its detractors, including those who thought it tacky or believed the money could be spent in more constructive ways,[5][7] it has since become a fixture for Roanokers and is considered "the city's front porch light".[7] The star's scenic overlook rises 846 feet (258 m) above the Roanoke River below, and its dramatic views of the Roanoke Valley makes it a popular destination for area residents to take visiting friends and family.[5][19] The star, overlook, and Mill Mountain Zoo are accessible both from Roanoke and from a spur of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the mountain features a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.[20] (wikipedia)
PERSONAL
My Mother was born and raised in nearby Gretna, VA, in 1922. She loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and I believe she left part of her heart here when she moved into southern West Virginai with her parents during the "mine wars era". Her father (my grandfather) left Virginia to seek employment as a coal miner in the 1930's. It was in southern West Virginai that my Mother met her soul mate of more than 65 years.
Over the years my mother would travel back to Gretna to visit family. I remember trips to the area including Smith Mountain Lake as a child. We traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway, but ironically, we never saw the Star. I do not think she knew about it and it makes me sad because I know she would have loved it here.
Fast forward to 2013, my daughter moved from central West Virginia to take a job in Roanoke. This is where she calls home now and loves it here. After she first moved to Roanoke, she took me to see the star and the Roanoke Valley vista. I often return to visit the star when I am in town and the view never gets old.
WHILE AT THE STAR, I HOPE YOU:
1. Take in the view at the Observation Deck, taking notice of the informative sign in front of the deck.. Enjoy yourself here and are in no hurry..
2. Turn around and look up at the Star. It is amazing and you are looking at a National Landmark of Historic Places when you do.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS VIRTUAL:
* This virtual is all about enjoying yourself at the Star, the view, and observing.
On your way from the parking lot to the Star and onto the observation deck, there are several signs. You will need to locate the signs via the listed waypoints to answer the following questions.
* You must submit your answers to me via the geocaching.com profile.
1. List the GC number in the first line of your answer.
2. See Waypoint #1. Complete this information from a sign you will see in the area:
(2 words) _______ ________ MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
3. See Waypoint #2. Complete this information on a sign you will see in the area:
(2 words) "If you are standing on the overlook, you're on ______ ______!
4. See Waypoint #3. On the Oberservation Deck, you will notice a large compass on the actual deck with a large "N" indicating the north direction. Now walk up to the front of the Observation DecK with the Informational Sign. What location (on the sign) is the closest to the "N"? (2 words) According to the sign, how far is that location from where you are standing? (In miles)
5. Required: Post a picture of you, your goup, or a personal item. If you want to make the CO happy, post a picture with your thumb up. 
Favorite point appreciated. ❤️
Other personal caches nearby: GC798VN Mill Mountain Geology Adventure Lab Stages for Roanoke: The Gr8 Star City. There is a stage at the zoo as well. Although not my cache, check out GCXK6Y (it is not wheelchair accessible).
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.