To natives, it is the crown of the Queen City.

Each night, whether competing with the fireflies in muggy July or the snowflakes in frigid February, the 240 jewels of the royal coronal sparkle in the Bangor skyline.

The Thomas Hill Standpipe has reigned over Bangor’s west side for 110 years, a fixture visible for miles from all directions.

In 2006, more than 2,000 visitors climbed the 100 stairs to the standpipe’s observation deck during the four seasonal tours. Most visitors ascend the winding staircase, inevitably winded when reaching the top, in hopes of snapping the perfect image of fall foliage or summer sunset with all of Bangor as the backdrop.

The 110-foot tall wooden structure sits at the crest of Thomas Hill, encapsulating a 50-foot-tall metal tank holding 1.75 million gallons of water. The Thomas Hill Standpipe was built in 1897. Since its inception, it has been used to regulate water pressure in the downtown and to store water in case of emergencies.

The structure’s exterior was originally a dark gray color, but during World War II, it was repainted olive for camouflage purposes. After the war, in 1949, it was again painted, this time white.

While the standpipe has attracted groups from as far away as China, officials say the tours primarily draw the locals. The landmark had a record number of visitors in the summer of 2000 with 1,234 attending the quarterly tour.

“It’s one of those things that people just love,” said Wes Haskell, assistant general manager of the Bangor Water District.

“It’s an insider’s attraction,” he said.

On a clear day, visitors can see any geographical feature in the area, including Mount Katahdin, Haskell said.

While the real standpipe only is open once quarterly, locals and air travelers alike can visit a scale model of the landmark at the Bangor International Airport every day of the year. Three brothers, Warren Young, C. William Tuck and Richard Tuck worked for six years to complete the model.

If you go

What: The Thomas Hill Standpipe is open today for visitors

When: from 5 to 9 p.m.

How: Easiest access is from Ohio Street to Thomas Hill Road.