History and culture - Front Range
The Star on the Rock: Castle Rock's 1936 beacon of hope
A star raised on the butte during the Depression still lights up over Castle Rock every winter, tended by the fire department and switched on each year at the chamber's Starlighting.
Published June 10, 2026 - Last verified June 15, 2026
The Town of Castle Rock puts it plainly: “In Castle Rock, hope came in 1936 in the shape of a star.” The Depression was grinding on, and the idea was simple. Put a lighted star high on the butte the town is named for, catch the eye of people passing on what is now Interstate 25, and give them a reason to stop.
It came together the way small towns make things happen. The volunteers of Castle Rock Hose Company Number 1, the early fire department, carried materials up the steep rock. The Town Council put in money. A welder named William Sloan handled much of the design and welding, George P. Stewart gave the land, the phone company chipped in used wire, and a local motor company donated welding gas. The finished Star carries 100 bulbs.
What started as a one-time lift has lasted. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue still maintains the Star, and CORE Electric Cooperative powers it at no cost to the town. A sensor flips it on at sunset each evening through the holiday season. Since 1962, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce has gathered the town for Starlighting on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to switch it on for the year.
For the Star’s full story and this year’s event, see the Town of Castle Rock’s page on The Star.