You see it nightly and it’s become so synonymous with El Paso that it earned the Sun City a new nickname – Star City.  It wasn’t always on though and it wasn’t always a star.

The star lit nightly on the southern edge of the Franklin Mountains wasn’t always a constant El Paso landmark, it wasn’t always a star and, just so you know, it’s also probably a lot older than you think it is.

Even if you do remember its days as a “Christmas only” thing.

The star on the mountain is a beacon for El Paso, a landmark for travelers and a sign to returning El Pasoans that they’re home. It can be seen for miles, from two countries, and even changes colors to mark certain events, causes or anniversaries.

What Do The Different Star Colors Mean?

To honor breast cancer awareness month, it turns pink. To show love to law enforcement, it’s sometimes blue and the color green salutes our veterans. Those are just a few examples; it can also be lit to honor individuals or different causes. Click here for details.

How Old Is The Star & What Else Has It Been?

The star was first lit up in 1940 and it wasn’t always just a star – in the 1960’s, over Easter, it was a cross. That was it until the 80’s when it was lit continuously during the Iranian  hostage crisis and, in the early 90’s, it stayed lit until all our Gulf War troops returned home. It has only been turned off during periods of maintenance or repair.

READ MORE: Criss Cross The Franklin Mountains  

When Did The Star “Get Lit” For Good?

1993 was the year it was decided to keep it lit up year round and it has since become El Paso’s most visible and recognizable landmark. What started as a beautiful, Christmas tradition is now in its 85th year and, rather than a Christmas celebration, now serves as a constant reminder that this is El Chuco. The 915. The Sun City.

Star City.

PICS: You Know You’re in El Paso When You See…

There are so many places throughout the Borderland that as you look around you just know you’re here. Just for sharing your interpretation of “You know you’re in El Paso when you see…” you could win $1,000.

Share your vision, your humor, your admiration for what makes us unique. It could even end up in one of our “You Know you’re in El Paso when you see…” galleries.

Here are a few example of the sort of things we’re looking for, but you should definitely get creative and try to find those iconic, weird, or wonderful things that are distinctly El Paso.

Gallery Credit: KLAQ

12 Reasons El Paso Isn’t the Ugliest City in Texas

El Paso was unfairly labeled the “ugliest city in Texas” so here are 12 reasons that is just untrue. Do you agree with any of these?