World's First Home Lit by Hydroelectricity

Appleton, Wisconsin

Yearning to escape the tyranny of candles and gas fixtures, industrialist Henry Rogers ran wires from the generator in his paper mill up to "Hearthstone," his mansion on the hill. When he flipped on the switch on September 30, 1882, his home became, in the words of its historical marker, "the first residence electrified from a centrally located hydroelectric plant." It was also perhaps the first instance of a metaphorical light bulb going on over someone's head.

Today, Hearthstone is preserved as a museum. Its original light switches and bulb chandeliers are still in use.