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Coal Mining
Commercial coal mining starts -
First Person to Drill for Oil
1859 Colonel Edwin Drake was the first person to drill for oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania. -
Wood for Energy
Wood is currently the most popular way to heat homes and cook. Both homes and businesses rely on wood for their purposes. This is before the evolution of energy. -
Coal and Oil Plants Utilized
Coal and Oil power plants were used in large cities to provide energy for the growing factories, and for the growing consumer demand for electricity. Coal and oil were burned, and the heat released boiled water. The boiled water released steam, and the steam turned a turbine. The turbine spins and drives a generator. The large generator generated electricity. These new power plants were huge polluters, and were also unreliable. -
Creation of the Light Bulb
Thomas A. Edison invents the electric light bulb and the first successful test occurs. -
First Coal-Powered Power Station
Thomas Edison starts the first coal-powered power station in New York City, which supplies energy for lighting households. -
First Hydroelectric Power Station
The first hydroelectric power station opens up in Appleton, Wisconsin. Through the power of running water it produces almost 13 kW of power. -
Coal is in Demand
Coal is becoming the leading source of energy, passing by the demand for wood produced energy. -
Liquified Gas Plant
The first commercial liquefaction Gas plant was built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941 -
The First Nuclear Reactor
The first nuclear reactor begins operation in Richland, Washington. -
Atomic Bombs
The U.S. drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrenders during WW2. -
Natural Gases and Petroleum
Natural Gases and Petroleum are now in high demand, and in 1950 the demand for Natural gases and Petroleum passes the demand for Coal. -
The Beginning of Solar Energy
Calvin Fuller, Gerald Pearson and Daryl Chapin discover the silicon solar cell. This ultimately leads to further use of Solar Energy. -
Jimmy Carter Speech
President Jimmy Carter delivers his famous energy conservationspeech urging Americans to use less energy. -
First Wind Farm in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's first wind farm began operation in the Town of Glenmore. -
Comprehensive Energy Bill
President George Bush signs a comprehensive Energy Bill. -
First Wind Energy City in US
Rock Port, MO becomes the first town to be completely powered by wind energy.
