Today in Wheeling History: March 7--The Wheeling Electrical Company started 200 Edison incandescent electric lights in Wheeling for the first time, marking the beginning of electric lighting in the city (1887).
The Wheeling Electrical Company, established in 1882 by A.J. Sweeney and associates, was a pioneering force in introducing electric lighting to the city of Wheeling, West Virginia. On September 13, 1882, the company made history by powering lights for four local businesses, making Wheeling one of the first cities in the nation to embrace electric illumination. Over the years, the company expanded its reach to more businesses and private residences, securing a new franchise in 1887.
However, the Wheeling Electric Company initially did not provide electricity for street lighting, which was taken on by the city itself in 1892. The Wheeling Electrical Company underwent a name change to become the Wheeling Electric Company in the year 1911. As the 20th century progressed, the electric utility landscape shifted with the formation of larger companies like American Gas and Electric Company (later American Electric Power) in 1906. Wheeling Electric Company was eventually acquired by American Electric Power (AEP), becoming part of their extensive network. Today, Wheeling and surrounding areas are served by Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of AEP. Despite no longer operating independently, the Wheeling Electric Company's existence holds historical significance as a trailblazer in bringing the revolutionary technology of electricity to Wheeling, lighting the way for the city's progress.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/69jzkc22) (https://tinyurl.com/7679ynvn) (https://tinyurl.com/2wkruv57) (https://tinyurl.com/5n8a764z) (https://tinyurl.com/45e4h3t3) (https://tinyurl.com/7ead8jza) (https://tinyurl.com/92e68wy5) (https://tinyurl.com/2p8246tj) (https://tinyurl.com/mr299fmj)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Google Maps
The Wheeling Electrical Company, established in 1882 by A.J. Sweeney and associates, was a pioneering force in introducing electric lighting to the city of Wheeling, West Virginia. On September 13, 1882, the company made history by powering lights for four local businesses, making Wheeling one of the first cities in the nation to embrace electric illumination. Over the years, the company expanded its reach to more businesses and private residences, securing a new franchise in 1887.
However, the Wheeling Electric Company initially did not provide electricity for street lighting, which was taken on by the city itself in 1892. The Wheeling Electrical Company underwent a name change to become the Wheeling Electric Company in the year 1911. As the 20th century progressed, the electric utility landscape shifted with the formation of larger companies like American Gas and Electric Company (later American Electric Power) in 1906. Wheeling Electric Company was eventually acquired by American Electric Power (AEP), becoming part of their extensive network. Today, Wheeling and surrounding areas are served by Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of AEP. Despite no longer operating independently, the Wheeling Electric Company's existence holds historical significance as a trailblazer in bringing the revolutionary technology of electricity to Wheeling, lighting the way for the city's progress.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/69jzkc22) (https://tinyurl.com/7679ynvn) (https://tinyurl.com/2wkruv57) (https://tinyurl.com/5n8a764z) (https://tinyurl.com/45e4h3t3) (https://tinyurl.com/7ead8jza) (https://tinyurl.com/92e68wy5) (https://tinyurl.com/2p8246tj) (https://tinyurl.com/mr299fmj)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Google Maps
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