10 Historical Energy Events

Electricity was invented

Jan 31, 1752

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.

First Battery

Jan 1, 1800

Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery. The term volt is named in his honor. The exact date of his discovery is unknown.

First Incandescent Lamp

Jan 31, 1820

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.

Electrical Realy

Jan 31, 1835

Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, used to send electrical currents long distances.

Electric Motor was invented

Feb 25, 1837

Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most electrical appliances today.

Joule was created

Jan 31, 1841

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.

Electric Telegraph

Jan 31, 1844

Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph, a machine that could send messages long distances across wire.

Christmas Lights

Jan 31, 1882

Edward Johnson first put electric lights on a Christmas tree.

First Powerline

Jan 31, 1901

First power line between USA and Canada at Niagra Falls.

Boulder Dam

Jan 31, 1928

Construction of Boulder Dam began.