Energy Use in the United States

Methane Gas

May 17, 1852

In San Fransisco, California, Peter and James Donahue produced a methane gas from coal, which was the United States' first production of natural gas from a fossil fuel.

First Windmill

Jan 1, 1854

Daniel Hallady produced the first windmills in the United States. These windmills were based off of European models, but had wooden sails instead of cloth.

First Oil Well

Aug 27, 1859

Edwin Drake and the Seneca Oil Company drilled the first sucessful commercial oil well, which greatly influenced the use of oil as an energy source in the U.S.

Gas-Powered Car

Jul 11, 1895

The first patent for a gasoline-powered car was issued to Charles Buryea. This greatly heightened the urgency for more accessibility to fuel sources.

First Solar Power Company

Aug 9, 1900

Aubrey Eneas formed The Solar Motor Co. in Pasedena, California, which was the first solar power company in the United States.

Offshore Oil Wells

Sep 17, 1900

The first offshore oil wells were drilled off the Pacific Coast.

Shasta Dam

Mar 16, 1944

Turbines begin to creat power at Shasta Dam, giving the United States one of its largest hydroelectric resources at the time.

30 Millionth Customer

Jan 30, 1954

The 30 millionth customer subscribes to U.S. electrical utilities. This gave 98% of the U.S. electricity, which called greater attention to the need for alternative energy sources.

The EPA

Dec 2, 1970

The Environmental Protection Agency was created, which caused a movement to find cleaner energy solutions.

Oil Prices

Jun 8, 1979

On this date, OPEC raised crude oil prices, which pushed the U.S. to find alternative energy sources.