The Electric City Sign: A Scranton Icon

The Electric City Sign is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and recognizable features of the Scranton skyline. Perched atop the historic Scranton Electric Building on Linden Street, just across from Courthouse Square, this glowing testament to Scranton’s industrial heritage has been lighting up the area for decades.

History

Scranton earned its nickname, “The Electric City,” due to its pioneering role in electrification in the late 19th century. In 1880, the Dickson Manufacturing Company became the first business in the city to install electric lights, signaling the beginning of a new era in the region. By 1886, Scranton made another groundbreaking advancement when it introduced the first successful streetcars powered entirely by electricity. These milestones solidified the city’s place in the history of industrial innovation and earned it its electric moniker.

In the 1930s, to honor the city’s role in the history of electrification, the Electric City Sign was created. This eye-catching, neon-lit sign has become synonymous with Scranton, symbolizing both its rich industrial past and its continued role as a hub of innovation. With its distinctive design, the sign lights up the skyline, serving as a beacon of Scranton’s unique identity.

Thanks to careful and dedicated restoration efforts over the years, the Electric City Sign remains one of the country’s oldest original electric signs still in existence. The sign continues to shine brightly, not just as a historical marker but as a proud reminder of Scranton’s legacy as a pioneer in electrical innovation. Whether you’re driving through the city or walking through the bustling streets below, the Electric City Sign stands tall as a lasting tribute to Scranton’s rich history and its place in the electrification of America.

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