Energy in the United States timeline

Jan 1, 1748

First commercial coal production in the US
Aug 28, 1859

First successful drilling rig to produce oil
Nov 4, 1879

Thomas Edison files for US patent for lightbulb

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Sep 4, 1882

Pearl Street Station, first power plant in the US, begins generating electricity
Jun 19, 1888

First windmill to make electricity
Jun 3, 1889

First hydroelectric plant generates power
Oct 13, 1906

Tax on ethanol lifted, making it alternative to gas
May 26, 1958

First commercial nuclear power plant in the US
Jun 19, 1960

First geothermal plant opens in the US
Jun 19, 1984

First solar power plant in the US

First commercial coal production in the US