Events in 1879

January 1, 1879

First Commercial Use of Electricity in US Factories

In 1879, the Brush Electric Company made history by installing the first commercial electric arc lights in a Philadelphia brush factory, initiating the industrial electrification revolution in America. This groundbreaking installation set the stage for widespread adoption of electrical power in manufacturing.

June 28, 1879

Mississippi River Commission Established

Congress established the Mississippi River Commission as the first federal water management authority to coordinate flood control and navigation improvements along America's largest river system.