The History of Natural Gas

The history of natural gas extends to antiquity. In America it was known to the indians, who observed it issuing from the ground in various spots, chiefly along the western side of the Appalacian Highlands. It was used for illuminating purposes in Fredonia, N.Y., as early as 1821 and the effect was so striking compared to gas made from coal that a German scientist hailed the beautuful, clear gas lights as the eighth wonder of the world. Gas associated with Pennsylvania oil was used for industrial purposes first in Pittsburgh, and its general use then spread to other industrial centers.