What was oil first used for in America?

The initial use of oil in America was primarily for kerosene, particularly in the 19th century. As it became feasible to extract and refine crude oil, kerosene emerged as a critical resource for lighting, especially before the widespread adoption of electricity. It was used in lamps, which greatly improved the quality of life by extending productive hours into the evening, thus driving demand for oil extraction and refinement.

While heating fuels, lubricants, and diesel fuel are significant applications of oil, they developed later as technological advancements progressed. Heating oil became popular especially in the 20th century for residential heating systems, while lubricants (like motor oil) began gaining importance with the rise of the automotive industry. Diesel fuel emerged as a specific type of fuel much later, associated with the development of diesel engines. This timeline illustrates that kerosene was indeed the first and foremost use of oil when the industry began to take off in America.