Austin Moonlight Towers

The world's last surviving 19th-century arc-lit towers, casting an ethereal glow.

The Experience

Historic, atmospheric, illuminating

A Glimpse into Austin's Electric Past

Austin's Moonlight Towers are a remarkable testament to a bygone era, standing as the world's only surviving examples of their kind. These towering structures, each reaching an impressive 165 feet, were once a common sight across America, but only Austin has preserved this unique piece of industrial history. Originally erected in 1894-1895, these towers were a revolutionary introduction to electricity for many Austinites, casting a powerful light from six carbon arc lamps that could illuminate a circle nearly 1,500 feet in diameter.

From Arc Lamps to LEDs

Manufactured by the Fort Wayne Electric Company, these towers were more than just streetlights; they were symbols of progress. The daily task of maintaining the carbon rods was performed by a dedicated 'tower trimmer.' Over time, the original carbon arc lamps evolved, first replaced by incandescent bulbs and later by mercury vapor lamps. During World War II, a central switch was even installed to enable citywide blackouts. Today, while the original structures have been meticulously restored and retrofitted with modern LED lighting, they continue to cast their distinctive glow, offering a tangible connection to Austin's early electrical heritage.

Know Before You Go

These towers are scattered throughout Austin; the best way to experience them is to seek them out at night when their unique illumination is most striking. While some are in original locations, others have been moved, with the Zilker Park tower being a notable replica.