On November 6, 1860, construction began on the first multi-still oil refinery in the United States—an innovation that marked the beginning of large-scale petroleum refining. Built just before the Civil War, this refinery represented a major leap forward from the primitive batch stills of early oil distillers.
By using multiple stills operating in sequence, the new design dramatically increased efficiency and output, making it possible to refine kerosene and other petroleum products at an industrial scale. This advancement helped meet the surging demand for lamp oil and paved the way for the modern refining infrastructure that would power the industrial age.
This moment in 1860 signaled more than just technological progress—it marked the transition of oil from a regional curiosity to a national industry, setting the stage for the U.S. to become a global energy leader.
