Historical Energy Events from the U.S.

Discovering Electricity

Jun 10, 1746

Some say that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity through his experiments. gizmodo.com/exactly-261-years-ago-ben-franklin-flew-a-kite-in-a-li-512285852

Coal Production

Jan 24, 1748

The first commercial coal production in the U.S. began in Richmond, Virginia. The coal was used to manufacture war materials. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015

Natural Gas Well

Dec 24, 1821

The first Natural gas well was drilled in the U.S by William Hart in New York. http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015

Ethanol Blend as Fuel for Lamps

Jun 24, 1838

Instead of whale oil, people started using an ethanol blend to fuel lamps

Petroleum

Mar 12, 1859

After the oil discovery in Pennsylvania, petroleum was used a lot as an energy source.

Invention of the lightbulb

Oct 22, 1879

Edison invented the first incandescent lightbulb
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111106220727AAL9lF7

First Electric Plant

Sep 4, 1882

Thomas Edison built the first electric plant in New York. It was America's first power plant.

World's First Geothermal District Heating System

Jul 15, 1892

The first geothermal district heating system was built in Boise, Idaho. It allowed water to be piped from hot springs into the town buildings.

The Discovery of Nuclear Energy

Aug 19, 1934

Enrico Fermi was a key figure in the discovery of nuclear energy. He was the first to split the atom and discover nuclear fission. www.alternativeenergysecret.com/who-invented-nuclear-energy.html

The Hoover Dam

Sep 30, 1935

This dam was built during the great depression and provides water energy.