In 1894-95, 31 electric light towers were installed in and around downtown Austin. These towers provided artificial light to the city and are powered by electricity that is generated by the Tom Miller Dam. The towers were constructed of cast and wrought iron and stand 150 feet tall from their 15-foot iron pedestals anchored in concrete. The light towers provided lighting for a 4 square block area. Only 17 of the original towers still remain and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and were designated as State Archaeological Landmarks.
Locations:
West 12th
and Blanco Streets
West 12th and Rio Grande Streets
South 1st and Monroe Streets
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Chicon Street
West 9th and Guadalupe Streets
Canterbury and Lynn Streets
22nd and Nueces Streets
East 13th and Coleto Streets
East 11th and Lydia Streets
East 11th and Trinity Streets
Trinity and Cesar Chavez Streets
East Side Drive and Leland Street
West 15th and San Antonio Streets
Speedway and 41st Street
Leona and Pennsylvania Streets
West 4th and Nueces Streets and...
Zilker Park - this replica of a moonlight tower is used as the center pole for the Christmas Tree that the city erects every year. The tower is the focal point for the annual Austin's Yule Fest Celebration and Trail of Lights. The tree lighting traditionally occurs on the first Sunday in December. A series of lights are run from the center of the tower to create a tree shape. It is fun to stand in the middle of the lights, near the center of the tower, look up and spin around. OK yes you look kinda silly doing it - try it. The tree lighting is followed by the opening of Santa's Village.
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