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First Commerical Coal Production
The first commercial coal production began from mines in Richmond, Virginia. Coal was used to make shot, shell, and other war materials during he revolutionary war. -
First Natural Gas Well
The first well specifically made to obtain natural gas was dug in Fredonia, New York, by William Hart.During the 19th century, natural gas was used as a source of light. -
Coal Becomes Primary Locomotive Fuel
The first major coal use occurred when the Tom Thumb was manufactured. It was the first commercially practical American-built locomotive. -
Windmill Becomes Popular Water Pumpin Tool
Windmills liberated groundwater for those dry western areas. Daniel Halladay perfected the windmill and started the Halladay Wind Mill Company. -
First Commercial Oil Well
The first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania by Edwin Drake. Kerosene began to replace other lamp fuels. -
Petroleum and Standard Oil become Major Energy Sources
After the Civil War, the petroleum industry made technological advances that helped it become a major source of energy and lubrication. This was discovered by John D. Rockefeller. -
First Electric Plant
In New York, Thomas Edison built the first electric utility near Wall Street. It served a square-mile area that included some very wealthy customers. -
First Commerical Scale Hydroelectric Plant
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the first hydro-electric central station to serve a system of private and comercial users was placed in successful operation. -
First Windmill to Generate Electricity
Charles F. Brush develoed the world's first windmill to generate electricity in Cleveland Ohio. -
First Flex Fuel Vehicle
Henry Ford designed a car that ran solely on ethanol, and later built the first flex fuel vehice. It was a 1908 Model T designed to run on ethanol or gasoline.
