Timeline of History in the U.S., by Anna Li

Giovanni Branca creates the first turbine

Jan 1, 1629

It was a simple contraption, consisting of a boiler that moved a wooden wheel.

Commercial coal production starts

Jun 25, 1748

A factory opens in the US near Richmond, VA.

Ben Franklin's key & lightning experiment

Jun 25, 1752

Ben Franklin discovers that lightning is actually electricity, paving the way for more electrical engineering.

Industrial Revolution

Jun 25, 1800

More machines and steam engines become used, meaning people start using more energy and living bigger.

Coal gets big

Jun 25, 1816

Coal becomes the official fuel for railway systems and makes its way into ordinary homes. In Baltimore, Maryland, street lamps are lit with coal for the first time, creating a revolution in coal production.

First Electric Motor

Jun 25, 1821

Michael Farady creates the first electric motor

Wood gets big

Jun 25, 1860

Wood becomes the primary fuel for warmth and cooking in the home.

First Windmill used for industrial purposes

Jun 25, 1891

Invented by Poul Le Cour

Natural gas rising

Jun 25, 1912

In Virginia, the first liquid natural gas company opens

Petroleum Rising

Jun 25, 1915

The nation's first modern petroleum refinery is opened in California by Shell.