The Eternal Light of Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas is home to the second longest lasting light bulb in the world. Nicknamed the “Eternal Light,” this legendary light bulb has been burning since September 21, 1908.

That’s nearly 105 years!

Now on view at the Fort Worth Stockyards Museum, where it is protected from the harsh Texas elements and kept on a protected electrical circuit, this little 4 watt wonder started out on the back porch of the Byers Opera House, which later became the Palace Theater. The name of the joint really didn’t matter to the bulb, of course, it simply kept burning… and burning… and burning!

Second Longest Lasting Light Bulb in the World

As early as 1928, people began to marvel over the longevity of this particular light bulb.  For a bulb to burn for two decades seemed pretty amazing. Little did they know it would keep on going for over a century.

In 1970, The Guinness Book of World Records listed the Fort Worth light as the longest burning bulb in the world. It was  bumped to second place,  however, in 1973 by The Centennial Light, which burns in a Livermore, California fire station, and even boasts its own webcam. Even in second place, I think the Eternal Light of Fort Worth, Texas is mighty impressive.

For more information,  as well as photos of both of these legendary light bulbs, check out Roadside America’s article, Light Bulb Methuselahs.

More A to Z blog posts

This was my post for the letter L of the A to Z blogging challenge. Tune in tomorrow to see what quirky Texan thing the letter M will bring!

In the meantime, click on this link to find out what other A to Z blogging challenge folks are writing about.