As residents we’re lucky to live in this fascinating state. New York is home to some of America’s oldest, largest and most historic attractions. Just when you may think that you’ve seen all there is to see, an out of the ordinary traffic light comes in your path and has you wondering whether or not you actually woke up this morning. No, you’re not still dreaming and this isn’t an alternate universe where up means down and red means go. Keep reading to find out what makes this one traffic light in Syracuse unlike any other one you’ve ever seen in America.
Surrounded with local legend and drawing in curious visitors, believe it or not there is actually an upside-down traffic light in Syracuse.
Doug Kerr/WikiMedia Pictured above you can see it for yourself, the Tipperary Hill Traffic Light has its green light on top and the red light on bottom. The story goes, that some time during the mid-1920s, the original traffic light was put up at the intersection of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue. Shortly thereafter, our Irish residents of the Tipperary Hill area began to repeatedly destroy the traffic light. Their reason? There was no way that those who were Irish and lived in the area were going to put up with a traffic light that put the British Red over the Irish Green!
The group of unnamed residents who broke the traffic light went on to be known as the “Stone Throwers” for obvious reason, and would eventually make history. Eventually the city caved in to the passionate demands of its residents and replaced the original fixture with an Irish-approved upside-down traffic light that’s been at the intersection ever since.
Fun fact? One of the other legends you may hear from residents around town is that evil leprechauns were who was responsible for the breaking of the original and traditional traffic light!
In 1997 the Tipperary Hill Memorial Park aka Stone Throwers Park was built and dedicated to the history behind the one-of-a-kind traffic light.
Doug Kerr/Flickr After a bit of convincing, the city once again paid attention to its resident’s desires and had the small park built right on the corner of the intersection. In the middle of the park you’ll see the statue dedicated to the Stone Throwers, the perfect way to keep the area’s history alive.
A local favorite for ages, the Tipperary Hill light attracts visitors and residents from all over. Those who have Irish blood running through their veins are fascinated to see the light and take pride in what the Irish residents of Syracuse were able to accomplish. Every year for St. Paddy’s day, the town gathers underneath the Tipperary Hill traffic light the night before to paint a giant green shamrock in the middle of the road. Irish pride is more than alive and well in this region of New York!
Did you have any idea that an upside-down traffic light even existed in America, let alone New York? To see what the intersection and memorial park look like for yourself, you can watch the quick clip uploaded to YouTube by D- Dubb below:
Doug Kerr/WikiMedia
Pictured above you can see it for yourself, the Tipperary Hill Traffic Light has its green light on top and the red light on bottom. The story goes, that some time during the mid-1920s, the original traffic light was put up at the intersection of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue. Shortly thereafter, our Irish residents of the Tipperary Hill area began to repeatedly destroy the traffic light. Their reason? There was no way that those who were Irish and lived in the area were going to put up with a traffic light that put the British Red over the Irish Green!
The group of unnamed residents who broke the traffic light went on to be known as the “Stone Throwers” for obvious reason, and would eventually make history. Eventually the city caved in to the passionate demands of its residents and replaced the original fixture with an Irish-approved upside-down traffic light that’s been at the intersection ever since.
Fun fact? One of the other legends you may hear from residents around town is that evil leprechauns were who was responsible for the breaking of the original and traditional traffic light!
Doug Kerr/Flickr
After a bit of convincing, the city once again paid attention to its resident’s desires and had the small park built right on the corner of the intersection. In the middle of the park you’ll see the statue dedicated to the Stone Throwers, the perfect way to keep the area’s history alive.
A local favorite for ages, the Tipperary Hill light attracts visitors and residents from all over. Those who have Irish blood running through their veins are fascinated to see the light and take pride in what the Irish residents of Syracuse were able to accomplish. Every year for St. Paddy’s day, the town gathers underneath the Tipperary Hill traffic light the night before to paint a giant green shamrock in the middle of the road. Irish pride is more than alive and well in this region of New York!
Already familiar with this fascinating light? Then see if you know about any of these 14 Strange Spots In New York That Will Make You Stop And Look At Least Twice!
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