Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign facts for kids
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Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign
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Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign, May 2006
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | E. State St. Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1910 |
| NRHP reference No. | 88001568 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 8, 1988 |
The Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign is a famous landmark that stands over State Street. This street is special because it marks the border between two states: Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee. Even though the sign is in both states, the National Register of Historic Places officially lists it as being in Tennessee. It's a cool symbol of how the two cities share a unique connection!
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History of the Bristol Slogan Sign
Where the States Meet
Back in 1901, the United States Congress made an important decision. They officially said that the middle of Main Street would be the state line. This line would separate Tennessee from Virginia. Later, Main Street was renamed State Street. This is why the sign is so important to both cities.
How the Sign Began
The Bristol Gas and Electric Company gave the sign to the city in 1910. They put it on top of a hardware store. Their goal was to help advertise Bristol and show off the city. The sign first lit up with the words PUSH! - THAT'S BRISTOL. This slogan was meant to encourage the cities to keep growing and become even better.
A New Slogan for Bristol
In 1915, the sign was moved to where it stands today. A few years later, in 1921, the city held a contest. People got to suggest new slogans for the sign. The winning slogan was A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE. This new message has stayed on the sign ever since. You might have even seen the sign in a TV commercial! It appeared at the start of a GEICO insurance ad in 2016.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique history and importance, the sign was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it's recognized as a special part of American history.
How the Sign Lights Up
The famous Bristol Slogan Sign uses a lot of lights to shine brightly. It has 1,332 light bulbs! These bulbs help the slogan stand out, day and night, for everyone to see.
