It was constructed at the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia in 1949 by the local merchants association to draw publicity and trade to the city.

[5] The star's debut was planned for November in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas shopping season, but construction and weather delays threatened to push the opening back.

[11] Payne had a close connection to another Roanoke landmark; as a child growing up in the city, he provided the winning entry in a contest to name the Patrick Henry Hotel.

[12] While it was originally planned for the star to be illuminated only during Christmas seasons, it was popular enough with the city's population that the Merchant's Association decided to keep it lit year-round.

[5] As part of the bicentennial celebration in 1976, the design was changed to an outer single star of red encompassing inner double-stars of white and blue.

[11][7] A 2019 inspection determined that the steel structure was in excellent shape for its age; however, in 2021, an internal study done by the city showed significant rust and damage to the anchors of the sheet metal base that hold the neon tubing.

[18] The lights themselves are difficult to maintain, and the entirety of the steel structure is covered in lead paint, which according to the 2021 report would cost $3 million to remove.

[18] While at its inception the star had its detractors, including those who thought it tacky or believed the money could be spent in more constructive ways,[5][7] it has since become a fixture for Roanokers and is considered "the city's front porch light".