TRANSPORTATION · HISTORICAL MARKER

The First Commercially Successful Electric Streetcar

Transportation
On Tuesday afternoon, November 30, 1886, the first commercially successful electric streetcar operation in Scranton and in the United States began on Franklin Avenue near Lackawanna Avenue. Sidewalks were lined with onlookers as Scranton Suburban Railway streetcar No. 4, carrying city dignitaries and local newspaper representatives, set out with Motorman John Williams at the controller and Conductor John Cawley for a historic two and a half mile trip to the Green Ridge section of Scranton. The success of the Scranton Suburban Railway earned Scranton the nickname "The Electric City." The Green Ridge Streetcar Line remained in continuous operation for 68 years until it was converted to motor bus operation on Friday, December 18, 1954.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free

FIND IT

Scranton, Pennsylvania · United States
Scranton, Pennsylvania
CITY · 187 STOPSExplore Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hear every story as you drive
4.7 Stars · 800+ Ratings
Hear this story on the road