The El Paso Electric Company built the first star on the south side of the Franklin Mountains in 1940. At the time it was only 50 feet wide and could barely be seen on the Carlsbad Highway. It also did not last long; a storm blew out most of the bulbs. Soon after, another star was built bigger and better. It was 403 feet long, 300 feet wide and used 300 light bulbs. More improvements were made in 1946: the length was increased to 459 feet, the width reduced to 278 feet and 459 light bulbs were used. It was then that lighting the “Star on the Mountain” became an El Paso tradition during the Christmas season. Today the Star has the same dimensions as in 1946. It sits at an angle of 30 degrees and appears to be “perfect” at its focal point at the intersection of Texas and Alameda Avenues. The poles are staggered up and down the mountain for the distance of 459 feet; starting at the mountain top, and run down to a point about 200 feet above Scenic Drive. From its lofty height, the Star may be seen from the east for 100 miles from the air and some 30 miles from the ground. Pilots are known to use the Star as an orientation point. There are approximately 30 streamers that are hooked onto guy wire cables forming the Star and are pulled into position. Despite some schedule changes, such as during the energy crisis in the ’70s, the star has been lit each and every year since World War II. In 1980 the Star remained lit for 444 days (until January 21, 1981) during the Iran hostage crisis. In 1990, during the Gulf War, the Star once again remained lit (until August 21, 1991) in support of Fort Bliss and all U.S. troops stationed with Operation Desert Storm. Through the efforts of the El Paso Chamber and support from private citizens, businesses, and community organizations, the Star on the Mountain now shines bright each and every night at dusk. El Paso is proud of its new image of the ”Star City” in the Lone Star State.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — To honor law enforcement, the star on the mountain will shine blue in November. Tropicana Homes along with its affiliated companies, Tropicana Building, Tropicana Properties and Patriot Mortgage will sponsor the costs of the “Blue Star Over El Paso” month-long commemoration. The idea for “Blue Star Over El Paso” was initiated by Precinct 4 County Commissioner Carl Robinson. “When Commissioner Robinson called, we did not hesitate to show our support,” said Bobby Bowling IV, President of Tropicana Building, and co-owner of the Tropicana companies. “It’s a great way to honor the officers that work so hard to help maintain the great quality of life we enjoy in El Paso.” Latest Headlines  Walmart victims honored with blinking star on the Franklin Mountains The star blinked in ten-second increments to mark the anniversary of the Walmart shooting which left 23 dead. El Paso’s iconic Star on the Mountain is glowing blue in honor of El Paso’s law enforcement for the entire month of November. Tropicana Homes, along with its affiliated companies, Tropicana Building, Tropicana Properties and Patriot Mortgage will sponsor the costs of the “Blue Star Over El Paso” month-long commemoration. “Every time El Pasoans in the law enforcement profession answer a call, they are literally putting their lives in danger, and we should all remember that and thank them for their courage and sacrifice," Randy Bowling, President of Tropicana Homes and Patriot Mortgage said. The idea for “Blue Star Over El Paso” was initiated by Precinct 4 County Commissioner Carl Robinson, who contacted Bobby Bowling IV, President of Tropicana Building and co-owner of the Tropicana companies, to consider the sponsorship, according to a Tropicana blog. “This is our small way of thanking, paying tribute and showing our immense respect to the fine men and women in law enforcement that keep us all safe in these trying times we are dealing with,” Demetrio Jimenez, President of Tropicana Properties said.
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Why is the star in El Paso Blue?
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