The Birth of the Petroleum Industry

The petroleum industry began in the mid-19th century with the drilling of the first successful oil well in Pennsylvania in 1859, led by Edwin Drake. This discovery spurred interest in oil as a valuable resource, initially for lighting lamp oils. The invention of the internal combustion engine in the early 20th century then increased demand for gasoline. Over time, oil became crucial for transportation, heating, and eventually powering industries, leading to the rise of major oil companies and shaping the global economy and geopolitics, marking the start of our modern energy landscape.