Tower Talk: The Narrows Crossing Project

Who would have ever guessed that a mile-long stretch of power lines would capture the attention of the world. In 1926, the Narrows Crossing power lines, owned by Tacoma Power (then called City Light) did just that.

Nearly 80 years ago, President Calvin Coolidge pressed a button to send electricity to the longest electrical span in the world — the Tacoma Narrows Crossing. See the newspaper articles and pictures before, during and after construction to learn more about the amazing history of the Narrows Crossing project.

This picture shows the celebration that took place when the Narrows power lines were energized. Roughly 1,000 people attended the event, which included music by the Lincoln and Stadium High School bands, speeches, a christening ceremony and the lighting of the signs on top of the towers.

See the official program for the celebration.