Thomas Edison Installs World’s Largest Electric Resort System

When Hotel del Coronado opened in February 1888, it stood as one of the boldest scientific and engineering wonders in North America. At a time when electric illumination was still an experimental novelty largely confined to major metropolitan demonstration stations, founders Babcock and Story contracted directly with the Edison Electric Light Company to install over 2,500 incandescent bulbs throughout the resort, powered by an on-site Mather steam dynamo plant.

Because many Victorian travelers were terrified of electrical currents, believing the mysterious wires could cause shocks or spark catastrophic fires, the hotel management placed small informative placards next to each brass wall switch: "This room is equipped with Edison Electric Light. Do not attempt to light with match. Simply turn key on wall by the door. The use of electricity for light is in no way harmful to health, nor does it affect the soundness of sleep."

Thomas Alva Edison personally traveled to Coronado to inspect the installation, expressing admiration for the complex wiring scheme concealed behind ornate redwood ceiling moldings and bevel-glass chandeliers. Hotel del Coronado held the proud distinction of being the largest single electrically illuminated wooden structure on the globe, demonstrating to the world the safe, practical power of clean electric light.