On October 15, 1878, the Edison Electric Light Company began operation to develop and market Thomas Edison’s electric lighting system. The company provided funding and organization for research into practical incandescent bulbs and related equipment. Edison and his team worked to create not only a lightbulb, but an entire system of generators, wiring, and meters. Their efforts led to demonstration projects in New York and other cities. The company’s work helped move cities from gas lighting to electric lighting. It also contributed to the growth of the electric power industry in the United States.
