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Ben Franklin proved that static electricity and lightning were the same by tying a key to a kite. His correct understanding of the nature of electricity paved the way for the future.
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Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery. The term volt is named in his honor. The exact date of his discovery is unknown.
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Warren De la Rue encloses a platinum coilin an evacuated glass tube and passes electricity through it in the first recorded event to produce an incandescent lamp.
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Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, used to send electrical currents long distances.
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Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most electrical appliances today.
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James Prescott Joule showed that energy is conserved in electrical circuits involving current flow, thermal heating, and chemical transformations. A unit of thermal energy, the Joule, was named after him.
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Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph, a machine that could send messages long distances across wire.
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Edward Johnson first put electric lights on a Christmas tree.
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First power line between USA and Canada at Niagra Falls.
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Construction of Boulder Dam began.
