Great Barrington in Berkshire County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Alternating Current Electrification, 1886

IEEE Milestone in Electrical Engineering and Computing

IEEE Milestone Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 19, 2012

1. IEEE Milestone Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On 20 March 1886 William Stanley provided alternating current electrification to offices and stores on Main Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He thus demonstrated the first practical system for providing electrical illumination using alternating current with transformers to adjust voltage levels of the distribution system.

Erected 2004 by Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the IEEE Milestones in Electrical Engineering and Computing series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1886.

Location. 42° 11.91′ N, 73° 21.645′ W. Marker is in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 7) and Cottage Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Barrington MA 01230, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Memorial Street Light (here, next to this marker); William Stanley (here, next to this marker); Great Barrington Bi-Centennial

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Laura Ingersoll Secord (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. ¼ mile away); William Stanley Overlook (approx. ¼ mile away); First Meeting House (approx. 0.3 miles away); W.E.B. Du Bois Birthsite (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Barrington.

Regarding Alternating Current Electrification, 1886. William Stanley invented the electric transformer which made possible the transmission of electric power over long distance. His many other inventions enabled electric power to be delivered by a distribution system.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 19, 2012

2. IEEE Milestone Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2012, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 664 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2012, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.