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Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign facts for kids

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Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign
Bristol.jpg
Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign, May 2006
Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign is located in Virginia
Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign
Location in Virginia
Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign is located in the United States
Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign
Location in the United States
Location E. State St.
Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia
Area less than one acre
Built 1910 (1910)
NRHP reference No. 88001568
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
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!

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.

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