On November 18, 1847, the U.S. Capitol glowed under manufactured gas light for the first time—replacing oil lamps and candles that had illuminated the halls since the early days of Congress. The gas, produced from coal, represented cutting-edge technology at the time and marked a new chapter in America's energy story.
This shift wasn't just about brighter lights—it was a symbol of progress. The success of manufactured gas lighting spurred the rise of gas utilities across U.S. cities, powering homes, streets, and industries for decades to come.
From those flickering flames in the Capitol began a transformation that would eventually evolve into the vast natural gas network that fuels modern America.
