Highland Park in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Electric Power Pole

City of Los Angeles

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 12, 2023

1. First Electric Power Pole Marker

Inscription. On this corner, March 30, 1916, was erected the first pole of the municipal electric distribution system of the City of Los Angeles.

This plaque placed February 5, 1952, by the Department of Water and Power as a part of the commemoration of the 50th year of the resumption of municipal ownership under the control of the Board of Water Commissioners.

Erected 1952 by City of Los Angeles Dept. of Water & Power; and Historical Society of Southern California.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 30, 1916.

Location. 34° 6.845′ N, 118° 11.16′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Highland Park. Marker is at the intersection of North Figueroa Street and Piedmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Figueroa Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6145 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles CA 90042, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arroyo Seco Branch Library (a few steps from this marker); York Junction (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); Distribution Station No. 2 (approx. 0.2

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miles away); Santa Fe Arroyo Seco Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Artists & Activists (approx. ¼ mile away); The Arroyo Seco (approx. 0.3 miles away); Northeast Police Station (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for Utility pole. Excerpt:

Electrical wires and cables are routed overhead on utility poles as an inexpensive way to keep them insulated from the ground and out of the way of people and vehicles. Utility poles can be made of wood, metal, concrete, or composites like fiberglass. They are used for two different types of power lines: subtransmission lines, which carry higher voltage power between substations, and distribution lines, which distribute lower voltage power to customers.

(Submitted on March 28, 2020.)

2. Wikipedia entry for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Excerpts:

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving over four million residents. It was founded in 1902 to supply water to residents and
Photographed By Craig Baker, May 30, 2019

2. First Electric Power Pole and Marker
The marker is in the sidewalk next to the power pole. The power lines have been moved to the other side of the street.
businesses in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. In 1917, it started to deliver electricity.

(Submitted on March 28, 2020.)

3. First Municipal Power Pole. Historic photos include the March 30, 1916 pole installation ceremony, and the February 5, 1952 plaque unveiling ceremony. (Submitted on April 13, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)

First Electric Power Pole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2023

3. First Electric Power Pole

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,610 times since then and 125 times this year. Last updated on March 29, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. It was the Marker of the Week March 29, 2020. Photos: 1. submitted on July 12, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on June 6, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on July 7, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.