Question: What city in Texas is home to the world’s only operating “moonlight towers”?
Answer: Austin. Prevalent in the late 19th century before they were replaced by incandescent lighting in street lamps, moonlight towers were constructed to illuminate several city blocks, typically with high-powered arc lamps. In 1894, the city purchased 31 moonlight towers from the city of Detroit and installed them throughout downtown.
Although most have been dismantled, around a dozen remain in operation, including one in Zilker Park that is transformed into a Christmas tree of lights every year. In 1970, the towers were recognized as Texas State Landmarks. In 1976, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
