Energy Usage in the United States

First Oil Well in the United States

Aug 2, 1859

This invention produced economically quantities of oil and gas.

Coil Generator

Dec 24, 1876

Charles Brush invented the coil generator. The purpose of this invention was to establish a dependable current of electricity.

First Electric Lamps

Jan 7, 1880

Similar to the lamps we use today (we have a more modernized version). Electric lights became popular after the development of the incandescent lamp.

First Electric Plant was Built

Sep 4, 1882

Thomas Edison built the first electric plant. The items in the plant and that were sold were designed and produced by hand.

First Hydroelectric Station

Sep 30, 1882

The purpose of this invention was to produce mechanical power while utilizing water.

First Automobile

Sep 28, 1886

This invention contained the first stationary gasoline engine. It was a one cylinder two-stroke unit.

Creation of Hoover Dam

Mar 24, 1935

The Dam's 17 turbines generated enough electricity to power 1.3 million homes.

First Nuclear Power Reactor

Dec 20, 1951

The purpose of this invention was to generate electricity.

First Geothermal Electricity Plant in the United States

Dec 24, 1960

This plant was built in California. The purpose of this plant was to efficiently generate electricity.

Solar-thermal Power Plant

Jan 28, 2017

This invention is the first massive scale of a solar power plant.