Energy Use in the US

Bejamin Franklin Discovers Electricity

Jul 1, 1752

Sometime in the summer of 1752, Benjamin Franklin figures out that lightning is electricity which paves the way for developments in energy usage in the US. *not exact date

Coal Powered Trains

Jan 1, 1800

Beginning in the 1800's, coal is the fuel for railways and begins to enter homes as a fuel source. *not exact date

Baltimore Gas Streetlights

Jan 1, 1816

In 1816, Baltimore, Maryland became the first city to run their streetlights on gas. *not exact date

First Electric Motor

Jan 1, 1821

The fist electric motor was created by Michael Farady in 1821. *not exact date

Edwin Drake Drills for Oil

Feb 1, 1859

Edwin Drake first struck oil in 1859.

First Coal-Fired Power Station

Jan 1, 1882

Thomas Edison funds the first coal-fired power station in New York City to give electricity for light in houses. *not exact date

First Hydroelectric Power Station

Sep 30, 1882

In Wisconsin, the first hydroelectric power station is built, using running water as a source of electricity.

Henry Ford creates the first Car

Jan 1, 1908

Henry Ford's Model T can run on Gasoline or Ethanol. *not exact date

First Windmill Used for Electricity

Jan 1, 1931

On the shore of the Caspian Sea, the first electicity producing windmill is built. *not exact date

First Solar Cells

Jan 1, 1950

The first photovoltaic cells were used in space for electricity. There use began in the 1950's. *not exact date

The First Nuclear Plant

Jan 1, 1957

The first Nuclear plant was in Pennsylvania. It produced energy by splitting atoms apart. *not exact date

First Electric Cars

Jan 1, 1990

General Motors created one of the first electric cars in 1990. It is called the Impact. *not exact date