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Commercial Production of Coal begins in Richmond, Virginia
Coal Mining was most notably a mid-atlantic business entity, and it was a main energy source in almost every major situation anyone had. It was at first used for heating, but contributed in a lot of other ways. It played a huge part in the industrial revolution, and was also a major source of labor for not only adults, but children. -
Lightning produces Electricity - Franklin
When Ben Franklin discovered that lightning produced electricity, he spearheaded a movement that would lead to many other discoveries involving electricity including the lightbulb and other sources of power. He was a major leader in Pennsylvania as well as the Northeast and also contributed Poor Richard's Almanac which forecasted the climate for farmers (Another important piece of earth science). -
Coal becomes railway and home fuel
Once coal was recognized as THE main source, it was only a matter of time before other sources of power would pop up. Coal was used by everyone, everywhere and was an efficient source for its time. It is still used widely for many things in many parts of the country and world. -
Coal gas street lights first appear
In Baltimore, Maryland, coal gas street lights first appeared. This allowed for interactions during the night, as well as during the day. It showed that coal could be used for anything, and measly things like candles didn't have to be providing light anymore. -
Titusville, PA - First oil well drilled
Though probably one of the dirtiest jobs ever, oil rigging came into place first in 1859 in Titusville Pennsylvania due to a discovery by Edward Drake. He had noticed oil seeping in the area and decided to drill. Kerosene had been one of the major products and that was oil based, so he assumed this would be a huge discovery. He was certainly right, and it was a major industrial business across the country especially in PA and TX. -
Wood becomes a major energy source
From this point on, Wood wasn't only used for just fires. It was a new way of producing energy for almost anything that needed to be done. Wood energy was used for lighting, cooking and factory production. Wood of course was prime, because it was an easy resource to find almost anywhere on the East and West Coasts. -
First Hydroelectric Plant (Wisconsin)
Hydroelectricity was an excellent discovery in Appleton, Wisconsin as it allowed for the reuse of water which meant easily produced energy. It is basically steam which leads to power, and the excess water flows out to a river and eventually comes back. -
First Electric Refrigerator
The electric refrigerator finally allowed for easy care of perishable foods and it of course is a mainstay to every household. -
Oil is now the prime source for cars
Once cars starting being mass produced, Oil was the best way of filling up a tank. Petroleum from OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) made for easy and fast fill-up. Prices have swayed a lot and went up in the 70's and 2000's. -
Shell Wind Energy is Established
It wasn't until 2000 that proper wind energy was established. Wind farms produce energy for the communities not only near but far and it is probably the safest, and most harmless way of producing energy.
