National Register Listing

Moonlight Towers

a.k.a. Austin Tower Lighting System

Austin and vicinity, Austin, TX
The Austin "Moonlight Towers" are believed to be the only remaining examples of the tower lighting system which was popular in U.S. cities during the late 19th century. At the time of their installation in Austin, only Detroit, Michigan, still maintained a similar lighting system. Efficiency and economy had pushed other cities to replace the tower lights with conventional street lights. But Austin's citizens have opposed moves to remove their "Moonlight Towers," citing their romantic, sentimental, and advertising value. The City has respected the feelings of the people and has put forth great effort in caring for the 21 remaining towers (Deemed "Moonlight Towers" because of the blue, moonlight-like glow they cast, they were put up high with the theory that they would diffuse a light everywhere, like the moon or sun.) , including the moving of a tower threatened by the widening of a street and the erection, in 1967» of a replica tower in Zilker Park (to replace a fallen one) at a cost of $10,000. Originally, 31 of the lighting structures were built by the Fort Wayne Electric Company and put into use for the first time on May 6, 1895. They were to provide illumination for the hilly City of Austin at night, aiding citizens in their nocturnal movements about the City and helping police to protect businesses after dark. The towers became an official state landmark in April 1970.

Austin's city officers of the 1890's, led by Mayor A.P. Wooldridge, received the "Moonlight Towers" in exchange for a city-owned narrow-gauge railroad which had been used for transporting building materials to the old Austin Dam site on the Colorado River (an historic engineering failure, the dam broke in I9OO). The Fort Wayne Electric Company agreed to light the City of Austin and to install dynamos at the Austin Dam which would power the lamps. The transaction for lighting and dynamos was conducted with $70,000 in cash and the remaining $43,500 as trade in value for the railroad, setting the original cost of each of the 31 "Moonlight Towers" at approximately $1,500. Since the day they were first lit the lights have been off for only a few short periods. Threatened with removal on two occasions, the towers have been zealously protected by Austin's citizens. The City has incorporated the old system with the newer, more conventional street lights and has continued to maintain the Tower Lighting System in response to the demands of the citizens.
Local significance of the structure:
Community Planning And Development; Commerce; Engineering; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.