How Los Angeles Streetlights Illuminate Its Rich Urban Heritage

As highlighted by the Los Angeles Times in their piece, “This Guide to L.A.’s Historic Streetlights Will Illuminate Your View of the City,” Los Angeles boasts a vast collection of over 223,000 streetlights, featuring more than 400 unique designs, with some dating back over a century. These streetlights are a defining feature of L.A.’s urban landscape, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and reflecting its evolving identity.

From lamps resembling ancient temple columns to Gothic-inspired lanterns tucked in the hills, L.A.’s streetlights tell a unique story of cultural diversity and architectural flair. These fixtures were initially introduced by local businessmen in 1905 along Broadway and quickly became symbols of civic pride and progress. By 1909, urban planner Charles Mulford Robinson praised them as “the handsomest in the United States,” showcasing how streetlights were viewed as more than just utilities—they were statements of ambition and beauty.

The role of streetlights has evolved throughout L.A.’s history, often conveying different messages depending on the location. In bustling commercial districts, they added a sense of grandeur and sophistication. In residential areas, they provided security and represented the pride of homeownership. Even in unlit areas, questions arose about visibility and inclusion, symbolizing deeper societal values around safety and belonging.

For those intrigued by L.A.’s streetlights, “Electric Moons: A Social History of Street Lighting in Los Angeles” by Glen Norman and Jeffrey Ziliotto serves as a comprehensive guide. Within, readers can find a field guide detailing 40 unique streetlight designs that dot L.A.’s landscape, all maintained by the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting (LABSL). Whether seen from a car window or on a leisurely stroll, these lights are key to understanding the interplay between urban development, aesthetics, and public space in the city.

Explore LampLight Industries’ range of street lighting solutions designed to enhance urban aesthetics and public safety.

Photo and Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of latimes.com


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