1882 · Milestone
Appleton — first U.S. hydro plant selling to the public
The Vulcan Street plant on the Fox River near Appleton, Wisconsin, became the world's first hydroelectric plant to sell electricity to the public.
Reconciliation note: First public hydro sale; distinct from Pearl Street coal station (1882) and Grand Rapids industrial use (1880).
Historical era
Wood economy (1776–1884)
Wood was the largest U.S. energy source for heating, cooking, and early industry until coal surpassed it in the late 1800s.