10 Key Energy Events in the U.S.

By nkasica

  • Standard Oil Company Formed

    Standard Oil Company Formed
    This company was the first major company that sold oil for energy. It was also one of the first monopolies in the U.S. Its main organizer was John D. Rockefeller (pictured).

  • Edison Invents the Lightbulb

    Edison Invents the Lightbulb
    The light bulb forever changed the way that we as Americans use energy. We use more energy in powering lights so we can stay up later and see in the dark. Edison invented it in Menlo Park, NJ.

  • First Hydroelectric Plant Opened

    First Hydroelectric Plant Opened
    A hydroelectric dam opened near Niagara Falls, NY called Schoelkopf Power Station No. 1.

  • First Electricity Plant Opened in the U.S.

    First Electricity Plant Opened in the U.S.
    This plant was opened in Appleton, Wisconsin and supplied electricity to the surrounding areas.

  • First Wind Turbine Built in the U.S,

    First Wind Turbine Built in the U.S,
    It was built by Charles F. Brush in Cleveland, Ohio to power his own home.

  • First Elecrtic Automobile Released in the U.S.

    First Elecrtic Automobile Released in the U.S.

  • Hoover Dam Completed

    Hoover Dam Completed
    The Hoover Dam in Nevada was completed on this date, and it was, and still is, one of the largest sources of hydroelectricity in the world.

  • Solar Cell Invented

    Solar Cell Invented
    The first solar cell was invented by Russell Ohl.

  • First Nuclear Power Plant Opened in the U.S.

    First Nuclear Power Plant Opened in the U.S.
    This nuclear power plant was named Shippingport Nuclear Power Plant, and was located in Pennsylvania.

  • Three Mile Island Crisis

    Three Mile Island Crisis
    A nuclear reactor in the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant overheated and started to melt down in Pennsylvania.