Moonlight towers (Austin, Texas)
Moonlight Towers | |
A moonlight tower at night | |
| Location | Austin and vicinity |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Austin, Texas |
| Built | 1894 |
| Architect | Fort Wayne Electric Co. |
| Architectural style | Lighting Towers |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002071 |
| RTHL No. | 6424 |
| TSAL No. | 627 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 12, 1976 |
| Designated RTHL | 1970 |
| Designated TSAL | 5/28/1981 |
The moonlight towers in Austin, Texas, are the only known surviving moonlight towers in the world. They are 165 feet (50 m) tall and have a 15-foot (4.6 m) foundation. A single tower casts light from six carbon arc lamps, illuminating a 1,500-foot-radius (460 m) circle brightly enough to read a watch.
In 1970, the towers were recognized as Texas State Landmarks, followed by the 15 remaining towers being listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1976. Only 6 are in their original locations as established by the Board of Public Works and City Council in 1895.