Many historians believe the Chinese were the first people to use natural gas for lighting when they began piping natural gas from their salt mines many centuries ago. In the late 17th century a natural gas well was discovered in England and British scientists began working to find a practical way to substitute gas for oil in lighting. In 1810 the first company to supply gas lighting to the general public opened in London. The possibility of laying gas mains and providing street lighting was now considered by many progressive cities worldwide.
One of the problems with natural gas was maintaining a standard pressure to give a steady light. In cold weather, natural gas pressure dropped quickly and the result was poor lighting quality accompanied by an unpleasant odor. After scientists discovered how to make artificial gas from coal, American leaders became very interested in using gas street lights in major cities. In 1820 Baltimore became the first American city to use gas commercially to provide street lighting. Other cities quickly followed and built underline gas mains to accommodate street lights. But it would take about 50 more years before the use of gas for home lighting became common. That's because people wealthy enough to afford gas lighting in their homes thought gas was too smelly and that its light was not brilliant enough.
The gas street lights made of iron or copper with their majestic blown glass globes that were so common in the late 19th century and early 20th century have all but disappeared from American towns. As Americans deserted their down towns and fled to suburbia, street lights made of chrome and plastic were all the rage throughout America during the mid 20th century. It was not "in" to use something old during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Only a few communities had leaders with the foresight to preserve the beautiful Victorian street lights that were now works of art from another era. Most communities did not protect them from damage or theft, and still other towns sold them for scrap metal.
The interest in historic preservation, which slowly began during the 1980s, has increased tremendously across America. Many communities are investing in having original street lights restored or purchasing reproduction lights. That is because they create a pleasing environment reminiscent of days gone by when life was simpler. In the 21st century, a tree lined street flanked with blooming flowers, antique street lights, old fashioned park benches, and quaint shops is a sure-fire tourist attraction.
