Energy Events In the U.S.- Kristen Wofford

1748- First Commercial Coal Production in US Begins

Sep 7, 1748

Commercial coal production began to be used for the manufacturing of shot, shell and other materials needed for the Revolutionary War.

The First Natural Gas Pipeline In the U.S. Is Drilled

Sep 7, 1821

The first natural gas pipeline was drilled in New York when William Hart observed gas bubbles rising to the surface of a creek. He then built a twenty-seven foot deep well in attempt to gain a larger flow to the surface.

First Commercial Oil Well Drilled In Pennsylvania

Sep 7, 1859

Edwin Drake drilled to find the first source of petroleum discovered in the U.S in "Oil Creek." Sparking the beginning of the transition into kerosene lamps.

First Electric Plant Built

Sep 24, 1872

Thomas Edison built the first electric plant in New York near Wall Street. He turned on the Switch at 3pm. starting up America's first power plant.

First Commercial Scale Hydroelectric Plant Begins Operation

Sep 30, 1882

In Appleton Wisconsin, the first hydro-electric plant began operation, at first only powering three buildings, but quickly expanding from there.

First Windmill to Generate Electricity Developed

Sep 7, 1888

The first electricity generating windmill was developed by Charles F. Brush in Cleveland, Ohio.

First Geothermal District Heating System Built

Sep 7, 1892

In Boise, Idaho, citizens felt the warmth of the world's first district heating system. Water was piped from hot springs into town buildings.

The "Free Alcohol Bill" Is Signed to Promote the Use of Alcohol as an Alternative to Gasoline

Jun 8, 1906

Theadoore Roosevelt signed this bill into law as a way of promoting the use of alcohol (Ethanol) over pertroleium for fuel. After the passing of this bill, manufacturers of alcohol for these purposes were exempt from the internal revenue tax when the alcohol was treated in a way so it would be poisonous for human consumption.

The Hoover Dam Is Built

Sep 7, 1935

The world's largest hydroelectric power plant is built on the Colorado River in Arizona.

First Controlled Nuclear Chain Reaction

Dec 7, 1942

After receiving permission from Franklin Roosevelt, the 'Manhattan Project' resulted in the first controlled nuclear chain reaction at the University of Chicago.

First Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Begins Operation

Dec 2, 1957

In Shippingport Pennsylvania, the first commercial nuclear power plant was built on the Ohio River, three years later, the power plan began supplying electricity to the Pittsburg area.

Sources

Sep 7, 2016

http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015