Photo Credit: Portia Husted
Starting on Veteran’s Day every year, an iconic symbol graces the mountains here in Boulder: the infamous Flagstaff Star. For such a simple string of lights, the star has a rather interesting history.
It all started in 1947 when the Boulder Chamber of Commerce constructed the star as a Christmas decoration. In 1948 they decided to again put up a string of lights for Christmas, but this time adopted the shape of an Easter cross. For the next twenty years, the star and cross would take turns lighting the mountainside, although there would be mischief from the Boulder populace.
In the 1950s, crafty college students restrung the lights in the shape of their school letter, and in the 1960s it took a political turn when suspected communists painted the bulbs red. True to the times, in 1969 the star was once again reformed, this time in the shape of a peace sign. This was in rebellion from a small group of Boulder residents’ who felt that the star and cross were Christian symbols, and since the star is located on city property, violated the separation of church and state. This debate moved into 1970, where it was finally decided that the star was too popular to take down but that the cross would no longer be displayed. The 365 bulbs have been arranged in the shape of a star ever since.
Of course, the controversy doesn’t end in the 70s. One year in the 1980s, the star was lighted in February, recognizing the American hostages in Iran. In a separate year, it was vandalized by environmentalists claiming too much electricity was being wasted and that the light disrupted local wildlife. Now, more than 75 years since the bulbs were first glimpsed, the star has considered the environmentalist concerns. With LED bulbs and wind powered electricity, the star is more environmentally friendly now than ever before.
It also has its own revenue stream to help with maintenance and repair costs. Boulder Star Wine (sold by boulder-based Bookcliff Vineyards) and the Flagstaff greeting cards are created annually and sold seasonally every year with proceeds going toward the star. If you’re in the Boulder area in the evenings, take a moment to look toward Flagstaff Mountain – the star will only be up until the beginning of January!