IEEE Milestone

IEEE Milestone in Electrical Engineering and Computing

Alternating Current Electrification, 1886

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.

October 2004

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 7) and Cottage Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB