Industrial Revolution Coming to West Virginia

By eembre01

  • First Steam Engine

    Thomas Newcomen invented the first steam engine.

  • The Spinning Jenny

    James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenney, which allowed one worker to spin eight spindles.

  • Improved Steam Engine

    James Watt patents an improved steam engine.

  • First Textile Mill

    The Industrial Revolution spreads to the United States when Samuel Slater opens the first textile mill in Rhode Island.

  • The Cotton Gin

    Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin.

  • The First Successful Steamboat

    Robert Fulton starts the first successful steamboat operation with the "Clermont."

  • The Transcontinental Railroad

    The Transcontinental Railroad is completed.

  • The Great Railroad Strike

    The Great Railroad Strike occurs when railroad companies reduce wages.

  • Coal in West Virginia

    Coal in West Virginia began increasing popularity and production in the 1880s.

  • The First Labor Union

    The American Federation of Labor is formed.

  • Key Export in West Virginia

    Coal became West Virginia's key export in the 1890s because of railroad expansion, higher quality coal, and larger coal companies.

  • End of the American Industrial Revolution

    The end of the American Industrial Revolution occurs when WWII begins.