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1851: Early refining emerges

Image: Cedrik Wesche

Just before the drilling boom, chemists like Samuel Kier developed small stills to refine crude oil into kerosene for lamps.

That innovation turned oil from a curiosity into a practical commodity. Kerosene replaced whale oil, making lighting cheaper and more widely available, and it created demand for a reliable crude supply.

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1859: First commercial well

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

On August 27, 1859, Drake Well near Titusville, Pennsylvania, drilled by Edwin L. Drake, became the first purposefully drilled commercial oil well in U.S. history.

This moment ignited the first true American oil boom. Suddenly, it was possible to produce large volumes of crude—not just collect surface seepage—and to refine it into useful fuels.

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1860s–1870s: Pennsylvania oil rush

Image: Jeff W

Word of the Drake success spread fast, and drilling spiked throughout Pennsylvania. Towns such as Titusville swelled almost overnight as wells and refineries spread along Oil Creek Valley.

Railroads extended into western Pennsylvania to transport oil across the country, embedding petroleum into America’s emerging industrial infrastructure.

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1890s: Dawn of the automobile

Image: Matthew Lancaster

By the 1890s and into the early 20th century, the rise of the automobile created growing demand for gasoline , which had previously been a relatively minor byproduct of crude oil refining.

This shift moved oil’s primary role away from lighting and industrial lubrication and toward transportation fuel , setting the stage for petroleum to dominate America’s energy needs in the decades that followed.

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1900s–1910s: Rise of big oil companies

Image: Russel Bailo

Following early successes, oil refining and distribution consolidated. Firms like Standard Oil Company rose to dominate refining, pipelines, and distribution networks.

At the same time, new oil fields and competition still challenged monopolies and spread oil wealth and infrastructure across more regions of the country.

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1914–1945: Oil & war

Image: Roman

During both World War I and World War II, U.S. oil production and refining capacity became critical to the Allied war effort , fueling ships, vehicles, aircraft, and manufacturing.

That strategic role cemented oil’s position not only in industry but also in American global power, military strategy, and foreign policy.

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1960: A global oil cartel forms

Image: Christian Harb

On September 14, 1960, the main oil‑exporting nations formed the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to coordinate oil production and influence prices globally.

Though initially limited in power, OPEC’s rise began to challenge American dominance , setting the stage for decades of geopolitical tension around oil supply.

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1969: Santa Barbara oil spill

Image: matt brown

In early 1969, a blowout from an offshore drilling platform released tens of thousands of barrels of oil into the waters off California’s coast, devastating marine life and beaches.

The resulting public outrage helped trigger a surge in environmental awareness and regulation, marking a turning point in how the oil industry was perceived socially and politically.

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1970–1973: Peak and decline

Image: Documerica

By 1970, U.S. conventional oil production reached its peak, but soon after began a decline as domestic fields matured and couldn’t keep up with the growing demand.

As American production fell, the country gradually became more reliant on foreign oil, a shift that would have major economic and political repercussions.

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2000s–2010s: Top oil producer again

Image: engin akyurt

In the early 2000s, engineers refined techniques like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. This unlocked vast shale‑oil and shale‑gas reserves previously uneconomical to tap.

From about 2010 onward, U.S. crude oil production rose sharply, reversing decades of decline. By 2019, the country was producing at levels not seen since the early 1970s.

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Philadelphia: Jawn

Meaning: used as a placeholder for a noun.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Philly, be aware that the word jawn can and will be used in every sentence, no matter if the jawn in question is a thing, person, event, or place. If it’s a noun, it can be jawn’ed.

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New England: Grinder

Meaning: a sub sandwich.

Subs must be one of the most widely known American sandwiches, and rightfully so. Its possibilities when it comes to fillings are seemingly endless, no matter your personal tastes. But you must consider that not every sub is called a sub. If you are passing through New England and fancy a sandwich, looking for a grinder will get you there quicker.

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Midwest: Schnockered/ Schnookered

Meaning: Schnockered: wasted/ Schnookered: scammed

Is there a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and being easy to deceive? Midwesterners apparently think so, because they use very similar terms for both situations. We tend to agree; nothing good can come from doing business while under the influence.

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New York: Schlep

Meaning: a difficult task, to carry something with difficulty.

As far as hectic places go, New York seems to be leading the rankings. No wonder they have a dedicated slang repertoire for difficult situations. If you are planning on visiting the Big Apple, take it easy; you will most likely encounter a schlep.

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Florida: No-see-ums

Meaning: tiny biting midges.

Ah, Florida! The land of cruises, alligators, and invisible attacking bugs. These welcoming critters are known for attacking at dawn and leaving itchy marks that will sting for days. They go by the government name of Ceratopogonidae, but the no-see-ums nickname seems more accurate.

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Boston: Regular

Meaning: coffee with cream and sugar.

Forget about americanos, lattes, and espressos, a regular is the Boston way to go. Associated with a popular Dunkin’ order, it will come already creamed and sugared. Not advisable for diabetics and lactose intolerants.

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Puerto Rico: A mi, plín!

Meaning: I don’t care.

Puerto Rican slang can be hard to decipher even if you speak some Spanish, but this makes it even more unique. This phrase —literally translated as ‘to me, plin’— is commonly used to express that something or someone is of no concern to you. What is a ‘plin’? We don’t really know, but to us, plin!

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Pacific Northwest: The mountain is out

Meaning: there is good weather

Mount Rainier is one of the icons of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, even though the stormy weather can often make it difficult to admire. On the days when the sky is clear and cloudless, this natural wonder "is out" and can be seen in its entirety. For the locals, the mountain being out has become synonymous with lovely weather and sunny skies.

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Texas: Fixin’ to

Meaning: about to.

We are including this phrase as Texan slang, but you might hear it from Southerners of other states. What do they use it for? Not to talk about repairs, but to say they are about to do something or getting ready for something. Important: do not confuse it with ‘fixins’, a way to refer to side dishes or condiments.

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Alaska: Sourdough

Meaning: a long-time resident.

Alaska is filled with natural wonders, but it has always been a tough place to live in, especially during the time of the pioneers. These brave people relied on a few food sources, one of them being sourdough starter to make bread and biscuits. In time, seasoned Alaskans came to be referred to as ‘sourdough’, as a way of honoring their resilience and love for the territory. Opposite to a ‘sourdough’, you can find a ‘cheechako’ or newcomer.

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Utah: RM

Meaning: someone who returned from their missionary service.

Utah is known for many things, one of them being its high number of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members (commonly known as Mormons). Many members of the Church choose to serve as missionaries, an activity that can take them to a different state or even a different country for up to two years. Once they come back, they might be referred to as RM, or ‘returned missionary’.

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Hawaii: Da kine

Meaning: placeholder for something.

If you are in Hawaii, you might notice locals using this phrase to refer to various things, similar to how other English speakers use ‘whatsit’ as a placeholder. A common phrase in Hawaiian Pidgin, ‘da kine’ can be used for objects, people, places, ideas, and much more.

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Rebuilt from the ashes

When the British set fire to the White House in 1814, it didn’t just singe a few curtains; it gutted the place. Enter James Hoban, the original architect, who was brought back to restore what had been lost. It was a second chance for the home he first designed, and he saw it through with grit and style.

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Madison moved out and never came back

You might have worried about the house. But what about the people inside? Well, after the fire, President James Madison packed up and never returned to the rebuilt White House. By the time it was ready again, he was on his way out of office. The next tenant, James Monroe, received the keys to the newly renovated executive mansion.

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Once the biggest house in America

Believe it or not, the White House was once the largest home in the entire country. That might sound quaint now, we know, but back in the early 1800s, a residence with 132 rooms was as grand as it got. It’s safe to say the neighbors were impressed.

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This place is no modest cottage

In case you’re wondering just how big the White House really is, it stretches roughly 168 feet long and 85 feet wide. On the south side, it rises 70 feet tall; on the north, 60 feet and change. A serious house for serious business.

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It sits on a whole lot of lawn

The next time you're mowing the yard and feeling proud of your quarter acre, consider this: the White House grounds cover a whopping 18 acres. That’s plenty of room for garden parties, Easter egg rolls, and even the occasional helicopter landing.

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Truman’s big job

By the late 1940s, the White House was falling apart—you know, creaking floors, sagging beams, and some serious plumbing problems. President Harry S. Truman had the entire interior ripped out and rebuilt. The exterior stayed the same, but inside? It was practically a brand-new house hidden behind historic walls.

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There’s a bunker down below

Tucked underneath the East Wing is the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, or PEOC. Built during WWII, it's the secure location presidents go to in times of crisis. It’s strictly off-limits to the public—and no, it’s not a James Bond villain lair, but it’s movie-worthy for sure!

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There’s a secret Oval Office exit

Behind what looks like just another panel in the Oval Office, there is a secret door that leads to a private hallway. President Franklin D. Roosevelt used this discreet passage to come and go without fanfare. We don’t know about you, but oh, the money we would pay to take a look at it!

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Lincoln’s ghost still makes the rounds

You may not believe in ghosts, but plenty of people (including presidents and White House staff) have said they’ve seen or felt Abraham Lincoln’s presence in the White House. His old bedroom seems to be the hot spot. Some say he’s still keeping an eye on the place.

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A hidden treasure trove of gifts

Foreign leaders bring all sorts of gifts when they visit the White House—from art and artifacts to, back in the day, even exotic animals. Many of these items end up tucked away inside the residence, far from public view. It’s like a museum without the tour guide.