American Illuminations: Urban Lighting, 1800–1920

In the 19th century, Americans adapted European traditions of royal illuminations for their own democratic and commercial purposes, using light to celebrate civic events and promote national identity. Starting with gaslight and later incorporating electricity, American cities created dazzling displays that were far brighter and more dynamic than those in Europe, turning urban landscapes into symbols of modernity and progress. These illuminations, used in parades, expositions, and advertising, helped define urban spaces and glamorized areas like skyscrapers, bridges, and theaters. By the 1890s, commercial lighting became central to city life, transforming political events, national celebrations, and public spaces into spectacles of light. These displays not only reflected America's commercial growth but also marked a departure from European monarchial traditions.

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