Traffic Control Tower – Meriden, Connecticut - Atlas Obscura
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Traffic Control Tower

Meriden, Connecticut

A human attendant once directed car traffic from this structure before automated stoplights. 

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Short steps leading to the control tower. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
Short steps leading to the control tower. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
A full view of the control tower. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
The lights an attendant used to signal traffic. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
A plaque commemorating the control tower's significance to Meriden history. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
A view of the control tower from the intersection. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)
View from west cl94 (Atlas Obscura User)
View from east cl94 (Atlas Obscura User)
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In the early days of the automobile, before automated streetlights were common, traffic at intersections was directed by an attendant in a control tower. This attendant would manually switch the familiar red, yellow, and green lights in a regulated pattern. 

In 1925, one such tower was installed at a high traffic crossroads in Meriden, Connecticut. The distinctive structure quickly became a popular landmark and often appeared on postcards from the city. The Meriden Daily News Journal even ran a news column in its paper titled The Traffic Tower in honor of the structure. During World War II, soldiers from Meriden stationed overseas would receive regular bulletins that featured a photo of the tower on the front page as a reminder of their town.

Though the traffic control tower was finally retired in 1967 and replaced with an automated light, fond memories remained. In 1975, the tower was purchased by a local company and relocated to a new spot a few blocks away from its original location. In 2019, the tower was restored to its former glory  

Know Before You Go

The tower can be found at the intersection of Perkins St. and Colony St. next to the railroad tracks.

traffic lights inventions cars history & culture
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