Cincinnati Edison Electric Company

In 1837, the Cincinnati Gas Light & Coke Company was founded and soon contracted with city council to provide gas street lighting in the downtown Cincinnati area. During the late 1880's after many business and residences have installed interior gas lighting, the first significant threat to the market share appeared--electricity. Andrew Hickenlooper, a Civil War General turned company president, thought that electricity was a passing fad. However, his business sense directed his company's strategy of acquiring controlling interest in the Cincinnati Electric Company, as well as five other local electric companies, to become the dominant source of electric power in the city. As a result, the downtown area was inundated with a maze of overhead wires owned by the various companies, which led the city administrator to choose a single supplier to light the rest of the city. Cincinnati's "Light War" was initiated when the Cincinnati Edison Electric Company was awarded that major contract. Years later, the Cincinnati Gas Light & Coke Company and The Cincinnati Edison Electric Company merged in 1901 to create The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company. This, in turn, became a predecessor company of today’s Cinergy.


Certificate: Capital Stock, unissued/uncanceled, 1800’s

Printer: Franklin Bank Note Company

Dimensions: 7 1/4” (h) x 11 3/4” (w)

State: OH-Ohio

Subject Matter: Utility Companies | Electric Companies | Unissued Pieces | Dated 1800's

Vignette Topic(s): Female Subject | Lighthouse Featured | Dynamo Featured

Condition: No fold lines or cancels, and some toning from age.