Pacific Electric Interurban Service Begins

Henry Huntington's Pacific Electric Railway began regular service on June 25, 1903, with bright red cars running the 10-mile route to Pasadena. This event kickstarted the 'Red Car' era that would eventually span over 1,000 miles across Southern California. Using advanced 600-volt DC overhead power and multiple-unit control, the cars carried thousands of passengers daily and helped shape suburban development. The engineering feat included climbing the Arroyo Seco and competing with steam railroads. Its legacy endures in modern light rail revivals and the cultural image of early 20th-century Los Angeles mobility.