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2000 BCE
First Use of Coal as Energy Source
Many people in China were using coal to heat their homes and cook food. It was later ignored when wood became popular, but became common again after there was a shortage of wood. -
Building of Windmills
The Dutch had developed the idea of windmills and began using them for many everyday activities, like grinding grain and spices. -
First Natural Gas Well is US
In 1821, a well was dug in New York. This was the first time in US history that a well was dug specifically for the purpose of obtaining natural gas. -
Windmill Water-Pumping Popularity
In the west, Windmills were becoming popular for the use of pumping water. These were a big help to early pioneers railroad builders. -
Petroleum Becomes Major Energy Source in US
The oil industry was advancing. John D. Rockefeller transformed the petroleum industry. Oil was becoming more popular, and its uses were becoming more numerous. He was able to develop a massive company and became one of the most successful businessmen in the west; -
First Electrical Plant
Thomas Edison had the first ever electrical plant built in New York. It was located near Wall Street. -
First Windmill Generating Electricity
Charles F. Brush developed a windmill that could be used to generate electricity in Cleveland, Ohio. It was the first success of its kind. Its capacity load was 12,000 watts. -
First Geothermal Power Plant
Geysers were discovered long before this, but were not being used as energy sources. A geothermal well was dug by John D. Grant and was able to generate energy for lighting in California. -
Hoover Dam Built
The world's largest Hydroelectric Power Plant (at the time), the Hoover dam, was built in Arizona. -
Department of US Energy is created
President Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Energy Organization Act. The US was facing many issues regarding energy, so they formed this department to manage and handle these issues.
