Hibriten Mountain rises just east of Lenoir at the western end of the Brushy Mountains, its 2,211-foot summit standing nearly 1,000 feet above the surrounding land and making it a dominant local landmark. Its unusual name grew from a local adaptation of Brighton, joined with “high” to suit the mountain overlooking town. Hibriten is especially associated with the illuminated display on its summit, first shown as a Christmas star in 1954 and as an Easter cross in 1955. A 1927 fire tower, later a hang gliding ramp, and the naming of Hibriten High School in 1966 all reflect the mountain’s strong place in local identity, though it remains privately owned.