The designation “Electric City,” applied to Scranton, Pennsylvania, stems from its pioneering role in the development and implementation of electric technologies in the late 19th century. Specifically, the city was among the first in the United States to adopt electric streetcars, beginning in the 1880s. This extensive and innovative public transportation system distinguished Scranton from other municipalities and cemented its association with electricity.
The adoption of electric streetcars provided numerous advantages. It improved public transportation efficiency, spurred economic growth, and enhanced the city’s image as a modern and progressive urban center. The moniker also reflects Scranton’s burgeoning industrial sector, where electricity powered factories and mines, contributing significantly to the city’s overall productivity and prosperity. Further, the term highlights a period of technological advancement and municipal ambition, distinguishing Scranton as a leader in electrification.
