1821
First U.S. natural gas well — Fredonia, New York
William Hart dug a 27-foot well in Fredonia, New York—the first U.S. well drilled specifically to produce geologic natural gas, distinct from Baltimore's manufactured-gas utility (1816).
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.