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The world's first three-wire electric lighting system strung along overhead conductors, Sunbury, PA. 1883.
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First pole line on the west side of Spring Run between Race St. and Arch St., Sunbury, Pa.

Credit: Courtesy of Edison National Historic Site

In July 1883, Sunbury, PA, became the first town in the world to be illuminated by a three-wire electric lighting system strung through overhead conductors. At the time, Sunbury, as this photograph indicates, was a small, gritty coal town. Four of Edison's original electrical poles can be seen in the distance on the right.

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