5.8 Energy Timeline - Abraham Hong By abrahamhong Period: Jan 1, 1740 to Jan 1, 1960 Energy in the United States of America Jan 1, 1748 Commercial production of coal begins in the United States near Richmond, Virginia. Commercial production of coal begins in the United States near Richmond, Virginia. Feb 1, 1752 Benjamin Franklin discovers lightning is electricity. Mar 1, 1821 Michael Farady creates the first electric motor. Apr 1, 1859 Edwin Drake drills oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania for the first time. May 1, 1860 Wood becomes the most popular fuel for heating homes and cooking. Jun 1, 1882 The first hydroelectric power station opens in Wisconsin. Jul 1, 1891 Poul La Cour builds the first windmill. Aug 1, 1908 Henry Ford introduces the first successful car that runs on gasoline. Sep 1, 1912 The first liquified natural gas plant opens in West Virginia. Oct 1, 1950 Solar cells are invented to convert energy from the Sun. Nov 1, 1957 The first commercial nuclear power plant starts operating in Shippingport, Pennsylvania.