1778-1860

Rembrandt Peale, founder of the Gas and Light Company of Baltimore (now Baltimore Gas and Electric Company), was a famous portrait painter from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He had a unique and groundbreaking connection to Baltimore.

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
in the image in the upper left) Site of the First Gas Street Lamp in America-February 7, 1817.

BGE an Exelon Company 200 years.

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Show me all markers in:  Baltimore, MD  |  21202  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

First Gas Street Lamp in America
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On This Location
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Canton House
Baltimore Chamber of Commerce

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