1880
First U.S. industrial hydroelectric use
A dynamo at the Wolverine Chair Factory in Grand Rapids, Michigan, used hydropower to light lamps—early industrial use, not a public utility sale.
Reconciliation note: Distinct from Pearl Street (1882) and Appleton public hydro sale (1882).
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.