Perched high above the city of Roanoke, the Mill Mountain Star is one of the most iconic landmarks in Virginia. Standing 88 feet tall and glowing brightly over the Roanoke Valley, the star has been a beacon since its construction in 1949. While it’s a symbol of the city, the star also harbors an eerie legend that adds to its mystique. Locals speak of a phantom said to haunt the area around the star—believed to be the ghost of a man who tragically died during the star’s construction.
The legend of the Mill Mountain Star revolves around this mysterious figure, a worker who supposedly lost his life in an accident while the massive star was being erected. Ever since, visitors to the star—particularly on foggy nights—have reported sightings of a ghostly figure near the structure. Descriptions of the phantom vary, but he is often seen as a shadowy silhouette, standing solemnly near the star or walking along the nearby trails. His presence is especially unsettling during Roanoke’s foggy evenings, when the mist blankets the mountain and the star’s glow seems to filter through the haze, casting long shadows across the overlook.
by Patrick McCormick
Visitors have also reported strange noises around the star, including the sound of footsteps on gravel, even when no one else is around. Others have felt sudden cold spots as they approach the star, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Some claim that when they visit the site at night, they can feel an intense, oppressive energy, as though the spirit of the worker is still lingering, unable to move on.
While no official records confirm the death of a worker during the star’s construction, the story has become deeply ingrained in Roanoke’s local folklore. The Mill Mountain Star itself is a beloved symbol, but the haunting surrounding it gives the landmark an additional layer of mystery. For those who visit, the star offers not only breathtaking views of the Roanoke Valley but also the chance to experience an eerie encounter with the unknown.
This urban legend continues to draw both locals and tourists to the star, adding a touch of ghostly intrigue to what is otherwise a popular scenic destination. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a nighttime visit to the Mill Mountain Star offers the perfect opportunity to take in Roanoke’s beauty—and perhaps catch a glimpse of the phantom that guards the star’s shadowy heights.
ENCYCLOPEDIA STRANGE 
Leave a comment