Rembrandt Peale
1778-1860
In 1816, to increase attendance at his Baltimore Museum of Arts and Sciences, Peale began lighting exhibits with carbureted hydrogen gas, and innovation borrowed from his father, Charles and brother Rubens, who were using the same magic ring of light in their Philadelphia museum.
Soon after, Baltimore City leaders and investors suggested using gas as a substitute for oil in street lamps and the first gas utility in North America was formed. The Gas Light Company of Baltimore, later to become Baltimore Gas and Electric, was chartered on June 17 1816, making Baltimore the first city in the United States to adopt gas for streetlights and general use.
First Gas Street Lamp-Lit February 7, 1817-The first gas street lamp in America was lit on this spot on February 7, 1817 by Rembrandt Peale, founder of the Gas Light Company of Baltimore now known as BGE. The Gas Light Company of Baltimore was chartered to “provide for more effectually lighting the streets, squares, lanes and alleys of the City of Baltimore. “ BGE is still lighting the city and surrounding region over 200 years later.
(Inscription
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Site of the First Gas Street Lamp in America-February 7, 1817.
BGE an Exelon Company 200 years.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is February 7, 1816.
Location. 39° 17.39′ N, 76° 36.623′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Holiday Street and Baltimore Street on Holiday Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Gas Street Lamp in America (here, next to this marker); Harry Sythe Cummings (within shouting distance of this marker); American District Telegraph (ADT) (within shouting distance of this marker); Chamber of Commerce Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); On This Location (about 300 feet away); The Negro Heroes of the United States (about 400 feet away); City Hall (about 400 feet away); The Garrett Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 531 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on March 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
