Mill Mountain Star

The Mill Mountain Star has become the symbol of the Roanoke Region. It began as a Christmas decoration in the 1940s to inspire holiday shopping. The idea went from inception to fruition in the span of about four months, unheard of by today's standards. At one time it was the largest neon star, even though it no longer holds that distinction it still draws thousands to its overlook. Many marriage proposals have occurred under its light and almost as many couples have celebrated their weddings at the park.
It has evolved from that holiday decoration into a community mood barometer, changing colors from white to red to red-white-and-blue, during times of mourning and celebration.
Looking Back was a historical documentary series produced for Cox Communications to tell the stories of the region's landmarks.