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In 1819, Russia's first gas lamp was lit in St. Petersburg! The story behind this will open your eyes!
In 1819, with the lighting of Russia's first gas lamp, the night sky of St. Petersburg began to glow with a distinctive light. This scene marks a step towards Russia's gradual modernization over time. At the same time, this also represented the beginning of a new era: the popularization of gas lamps changed people's lifestyles and promoted the development of cities.
At this time, residents of big cities were no longer helpless because of the sunset. The popularity of gas lamps allowed them to socialize and work at night.
Gaslight, a technology that uses natural gas or other gases to produce light, played an important role in the development of cities in the 19th century. In the past, people relied on oil lamps and candles for lighting, but these light sources were not only expensive but also insufficiently bright, often affecting business activities. All that changed in 1819 when Russia's first gas lamp was lit.
The history of gas lamps can be traced back several centuries. As early as ancient China, there was already a precedent for the use of natural gas. In 1801, Philippe Le Bon of France also began to develop gas lamp equipment, which gradually upgraded the urban lighting technology at that time. However, the application of these technologies in Russia was made possible by the promotion of Peter Sovyev.
Retired lieutenant Peter Sobolevsky, who was in charge of the design, presented his improved gas lamp design to Alexander I in 1811, laying the foundation for modern lighting technology in Russia.
However, due to the French invasion of Russia, this plan was forced to be postponed. In 1819, St. Petersburg began to install gas lamps on the spot and lit the first gas lamp on a street on Yakutas Island, which caused a sensation at the time and became an important symbol of the city's modernization.
The use of gas lamps not only provided brighter lighting, but also had a direct impact on many aspects of society. With the popularization of gas lamps, the city's nightlife began to flourish, shops were able to extend their business hours, and citizens' social activities became more frequent than before.
With the continuous improvement of gas lamp technology, Russia's urban lighting network has gradually improved. In 1835, a special gas lamp company was established in St. Petersburg, and by 1839, the number of gas lamps in the city had reached 204. By the mid-19th century, gas lamps were common on the city's main streets and buildings, greatly enhancing the city's visibility and appeal.
The lighting of gas lamps not only symbolizes the advancement of technology, but also the change in people's lifestyles, making the city no longer sleepy at night.
However, this prosperity did not last long. With the advent of electric lights, gas lamp technology was gradually replaced. Despite this, many cities still retain their historic gas lamps as part of their cultural heritage, attracting countless tourists to come and explore.
In Russian history, the birth of gas lamps not only brought light, but also illuminated people's expectations and pursuits for the future. As time went by, Russia's urban development entered a new chapter, and the starting point of it all was the gas lamp that was lit in 1819.
So, will the birth of this gas lamp become a new source of inspiration for you to explore the intersection of history and technology?
