Energy Timeline

First Commercial Coal Production in US

Jun 30, 1748

The first recorded commercial U.S. coal production from mines in the Richmond, Virginia area.
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Industrial Revolution

Dec 24, 1814

The economy changed from a labor based economy to a machine based economy. With the introduction of the coal-powered steam engine more machines were used so much more energy was consumed.
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Streetlights Lit With Gas From Coal

Dec 15, 1816

Baltimore, Maryland is the first city to light its street lights with fuel produced from coal.
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First Natural Gas Well

Jan 1, 1821

The first natural gas well was dug in Fredonia, New York, by William Hart.
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Coal Becomes Primary Fuel Source for Trains

Dec 4, 1830

Around the 1830s coal began to replace wood as the source of fuel for trains.
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First Electric Plant

Sep 4, 1882

Thomas Edison flips the switch on the first eletric plant in the US built by him in New York near Wall Street.
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First Commercial Scale Hydroelectric Plant

Sep 30, 1882

The world's first hydro-electric central stations were placed in successful operation in Appleton, Wisconsin.
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Hoover Dam

Sep 30, 1935

The Hoover Dam was completed and served as the world's largest hydroelectric power plant.
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First Nuclear Energy Power Reactor Built for Electricity

Dec 20, 1951

A nuclear reactor made to produce electricity opens in Idaho. It is the wirst of its kind in the US.
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Solar Power Used For First US Satellite

Jan 31, 1958

The first US satellite, Explorer 1, utilizes solar cells for power.
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