The Electrification of U.S. Cities

When Thomas Edison developed the electric light bulb in 1879, there were no municipal electrical grids to power them. The first hurdle, there are two kinds of electrical current, and it wasn’t clear which would function better in power line transmission. Edison and Tesla disagreed. Edison supported direct current (DC) while Tesla favored alternating current (AC). This feud turned nasty. Edison employed scare tactics to prove AC was dangerous, including electrocuting an elephant in 1903. Yes, he really did (see the picture below, sorry it’s a bit graphic). Tesla’s AC ultimately won. By 1917, power lines were 95% AC. Karma’s a beyotch, Mr Edison.

Although Nikola Tesla sold his patents for AC technology to George Westinghouse, the Sorcerer of Serbia flipped the switch that electrified Buffalo, New York, in 1896. Prior to that, Thomas Edison had electrified small areas of New York City, but Buffalo was the first U.S. city with a widespread, sustainable energy grid. Buffalo was chosen due to its proximity to Niagara Falls, a natural energy generator. Buffalo became known as the “City of Light”, showcasing electricity’s potential by hosting the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. (The Expo is also notable for President William McKinley’s assassination)

In The Hesperus Prophecy, Clypeate Headquarters has electrical power before most cities, even Washington D.C.. Not surprising, with Edison and Tesla both Clyepeate members, although there was controversy over which current to use. Edison’s DC won, but only because Tesla didn’t want any more animals to meet the same fate as Topsy the elephant.

Showcasing Electrification at the Buffalo Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Harnessing the hydroelectric power of Niagara Falls to electrify Buffalo

R.I.P., Topsy. You deserved better.