<P> The US natural gas industry started in 1821 at Fredonia , Chautauqua County , New York , when William Hart dug a well to a depth of 27 feet ( 8.2 m ) into gas - bearing shale , then drilled a borehole 43 feet ( 13 m ) further , and piped the natural gas to a nearby inn where it was burned for illumination . Soon many gas wells were drilled in the area , and the gas - lit streets of Fredonia became a tourist attraction . </P>
<P> The US natural gas industry started in 1821 at Fredonia , Chautauqua County , New York , when William Hart dug a well to a depth of 27 feet ( 8.2 m ) into gas - bearing shale , then drilled a borehole 43 feet ( 13 m ) further , and piped the natural gas to a nearby inn where it was burned for illumination . Soon many gas wells were drilled in the area , and the gas - lit streets of Fredonia became a tourist attraction . </P>
where was the first oil well drilled in the united states
where was the first oil well drilled in the united states
Fredonia , Chautauqua County , New York
Fredonia , Chautauqua County , New York