Upside Down Traffic Light in Syracuse Commemorates Irish Protest

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the Tipperary Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, there is a traffic light with the green light on top, yellow in the middle, and red on the bottom - the only one of its kind in the world. This unusual configuration dates back to the 1920s, when Irish residents in the area protested what they saw as British symbolism by repeatedly damaging the traffic light until the city decided to flip it, placing the green light on top.

Why it matters

The upside down traffic light has become an enduring symbol of the Irish-American community's fight against perceived British oppression in the early 20th century. It reflects the neighborhood's strong cultural identity and willingness to stand up for their values, even through civil disobedience.

The details

According to local lore, several Irish residents of the Tipperary Hill neighborhood in Syracuse couldn't stand to see the red stop light, which they associated with British rule, placed above the green light. In protest, they repeatedly damaged the traffic light by throwing rocks at it until the city decided to flip the configuration, putting the green light on top. This unusual setup has remained in place ever since as a testament to the community's defiance.

• The upside down traffic light has been in place since the 1920s.
• On March 17, 2026, a new historical marker will be placed in Tipperary Hill to commemorate the "Stone Throwers" and the story behind the traffic light.

What’s next

On March 17, 2026, a new historical marker will be placed in the Tipperary Hill section of Syracuse to commemorate the story behind the upside down traffic light.