Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Electric Light Tower

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

1. Electric Light Tower Marker

Inscription. When completed in 1881, the 237-foot electric light tower that once spanned the intersection of Market and Santa Clara Streets was the largest single source of electric light in the country. The brainchild of J.J. Owen, founder of the San Jose Mercury News, it was designed to illuminate the entire downtown. While the tower received tremendous national and international publicity, local reactions were mixed. The tower remained in operation until it blew over in a storm in 1915.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 37° 20.117′ N, 121° 53.52′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is at the intersection of South Market Street and West Santa Clara Street, on the right when traveling south on South Market Street. Marker is mounted on a pole on the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Juzgado (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Farmers Union Building (about 300 feet away); San Jose Mercury News (about 400 feet away); Bank of America Building

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(about 600 feet away); Birthplace of A.P. Giannini (about 600 feet away); Knox-Goodrich Building (about 600 feet away); St. Joseph’s Cathedral (about 600 feet away); Letitia Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Also see . . .
1. 1881 Photo of Tower During Construction. (Submitted on May 24, 2010.)
2. 1915 Photo of Tower After It’s Collapse. (Submitted on May 24, 2010.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. Electric Light Tower Marker

<i>Santa Clara Street and Electric Tower, San Jose, California</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1912

3. Santa Clara Street and Electric Tower, San Jose, California

Looking west from First National Bank Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,306 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on August 18, 2020.