An “electric” railway is one in which cable cars are powered by electric traction motors. The citizens of Alhambra were first promised one back in 1887 – a group of subdividers even laid out the “Alhambra Electric Tract” that summer (at Main and 5th) in anticipation – but countless snafus delayed the project for fifteen long years. Finally, on June 21st, 1902, the Pasadena and Los Angeles Electric Railway inaugurated its passenger service at Alhambra. (The line would be taken over by Henry Huntington‘s Pacific Electric Railway in 1911.) Electric Avenue was named within six months. Since it didn’t connect to Alhambra’s streetcar station, which was reportedly located at Main and Garfield, I assume its name was simply meant to tout the city’s recent electrification.
Find it on the map:
