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Coal Becomes Primary Locomotive (Train) Fuel
The Tom Thumb was the first commercially practical American-built locomotive manufactured. It burned coal very quickly and every American that burned wood originally converted to coal. -
First Electric Plant Built by Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison built the first commercial electric utility near Wall Street -
First Windmill to Generate Electricity
Charles F. Brush develops the world's first windmill that can generate electricity. -
Birth of the Modern Oil Industry
Established on a hill in southeastern Texas, the hill was formed by a giant underground dome of salt as it moved slowly towards the surface. The most common name became "Spindletop" oil field. -
Worlds First Flex Fuel Vehicle
First vehicle (Model T) designed by Henry Ford the relied not just on ethanol but now also gasoline. -
World's First Geothermal Power Plant
Built in California by John D. Grant. -
Hoover Dam, the World's Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant, Is Built
Began construction in 1931 and completed in 1935 on the Colorado River to produce hydroelectricity. -
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Created
Emphasized the military aspects of nuclear energy and did not allow for private, commercial application of atomic energy. -
Natural Gas Becomes a Major Fuel
With extensive construction of natural gas pipelines done by making improvements in metals, welding techniques and pipe making during the War. -
First Nuclear Power Reactor to Generate Electricity
Built in Idaho named "Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I)", creating a huge international industry that now plays a major role in meeting the world's energy needs.
