World's Only Topsy-Turvy Traffic Light is in THIS New York Town

Some accounts say that this the only traffic light of its kind in the United States. Other accounts say that it is the only traffic light of its kind in the WORLD! Regardless, I love the story mainly because of it's tie to Irish-American history (like, look at my name, CONOR WALSH! Very Irish). The only upside-down traffic light is located in New York!

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So, I was just in Syracuse for a concert, and while I was getting dinner at a local Irish pub, I saw pictures of this topsy-turvy traffic light. I asked where that was and if it had any significance. Turns out, the United States' only upside-down traffic light is located at the intersection of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue in Syracuse, New York's Tipperary Hill neighborhood. The green light is on top, instead of the usual red.

The light came about after Irish youths broke the traffic light when it was first installed in the 1920s. The youths were upset that the "British" red light was above the "Irish" green light. The city replaced the light, but the youths broke it again.On March 17th, St. Patrick's Day 1928, city officials finally consented to have the light inverted. The green-above-red traffic light was born, and remains there to this day (95 years!). You can find the world's only upside down traffic light in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, NY.

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In recent years, some long time neighborhood residents of Irish ancestry and local business owners gathered resources and encouraged the city first to demolish an old run-down commercial building and then in 1997 to build a small park, the Tipperary Hill Memorial Park, and erect a statue, the Tipperary Hill Heritage Memorial.

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The memorial is dedicated to those who, in their opinions, were brave sons of Ireland who had stood up to City Hall and won. The statue was created by Dexter Benedict. The park and statue are still there, as is the traffic light. On the eve of every Saint Patrick's Day, someone (or ones) goes out and paints a green shamrock underneath the light.

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Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

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Today, you are more than likely to find the demographics of an Irish pub a whole lot younger. And that is a good thing.

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See you at one of them for St. Paddy's Day!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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Gallery Credit: Megan