Narrative Histories

Deep dives into the people, technologies, and pivotal moments that shaped America’s energy story. These narrative histories bring to life the entrepreneurs who took risks, the innovations that changed everything, and the ways abundant energy transformed how Americans live, work, and prosper.

Featured Story

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Energy Pioneers Mar 12, 2026

Energy Pioneers: Ray C. Fish

As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the time is ripe to reflect on the important role energy has played in undergirding the U.S.’s growth into the free and prosperous nation we enjoy today. From coal to oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy, reliable energy has enabled our population to expand across our vast territory, build some of the most advanced industrial and technological sectors in the world, and defeat evil ideologies in wartime.

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American Energy Moments Jun 8, 2026

American Energy Moments: Fueling D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy

Soldiers disembark from a landing craft into the water, heading toward a beach under heavy smoke and gunfire during a military invasion, with more troops and equipment visible in the distance.

6:30 am, June 6, 1944, Allied troops began the first landings along a fifty-mile stretch of the Normandy coastline at Utah and Omaha Beach. By 8:00 am, all other landing zones, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches, had Allied troops fighting their way inland. Operation Neptune, also known as D-Day, was the single largest seaborne invasion in military history. Beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation, the D-Day landings provided the Allied forces with the foothold they needed to push to Berlin from the East, South, and West. The success of D-Day came from incredible intelligence, exceptional bravery, and logistical mastery. Planning D-Day was no easy task. With initial planning taking place shortly after the evacuation of the stranded British military and Allied forces from Dunkirk in 1940, the full-scale logistical planning for D-Day took the better part of two years.

American Energy Moments May 20, 2026

American Energy Moments: Seward’s “Folly”

Alaska is an energy powerhouse. With abundant natural gas, oil, and coal reserves, sufficient mineral wealth to produce 51 out of 54 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey, and the pipeline infrastructure to bring crude oil from its energy-rich North Slope to North America’s northernmost ice-free port, the state has the capability to help meet the U.S. and the world’s energy needs for the foreseeable future. As IER President Tom Pyle explains, “the last frontier… can be the first frontier of a new era in American energy independence and economic growth.” Moreover, the state’s location holds strategic importance, giving the U.S. an arctic coastline and serving as a bridge to Asia and even Europe through the Northwest Passage.

American Energy Moments May 8, 2026

American Energy Moments: World War II

A man in a military uniform grips a gas pump nozzle, looking determined. The text beside him reads, "I'm fighting a little war of my own...

May 8th, 1945, was the official day that World War II ended in Europe. Known as “VE Day,” or Victory in Europe, it was celebrated throughout the continent of Europe and the United States as the multi-year war, which had claimed the lives of millions, had, at least in one theater, concluded. Although the war in the Pacific would continue until the Empire of Japan announced its intent to surrender on August 15, 1945, the liberation of Europe was an astounding morale boost and an achievement to be celebrated. The Allied victory of World War II was achieved through a combination of factors, and although bravery, bold leadership, and the strong political will of the American people were essential, the Axis defeat was achieved as a result of America’s vast energy resources, especially its oil.

Energy Pioneers May 6, 2026

Energy Pioneers: Henrietta M. Larson

Black and white portrait of an older woman with short, curly hair, wearing glasses, a dark suit jacket, a light blouse, and a pearl necklace. She is looking slightly to the side with a neutral expression.

Although American energy production has brought immense benefits to the U.S. throughout our 250 year history, the companies responsible are frequently maligned more than they are credited. Even though large firms have been responsible for the profit-seeking innovation that has led to affordable and reliable energy, blaming “big business” and “corporate greed” remains a constant rejoinder for many of our perceived social ills.

Energy Pioneers May 5, 2026

Energy Pioneers: Edwin Drake

A black and white sketch of a bearded man wearing a suit, vest, and bow tie, facing forward with a neutral expression. The image has a vintage, historical style.

Oil plays an indispensable role in American society, fueling almost all of the nation’s transportation and serving as a critical input for manufacturing, petrochemicals, and countless everyday products. The United States now produces more than 13 million barrels of crude oil per day, reflecting both the scale of modern demand and the industry’s capacity to meet it through innovation and investment. Understanding how this system developed requires looking back to the individuals who made it possible.

Energy Stories May 4, 2026

American Energy Moments: LNG Exports Initiate a New Era of Energy Abundance

In only 10 years, American industry transformed LNG from a footnote in export reports to an essential international product. The ingenuity of Cheniere and its willingness to adapt to changing circumstances represent the entrepreneurial greatness that defines American industry and has contributed to our current level of prosperity.

Energy Stories Apr 30, 2026

Celebrating 75 Years of Oil & Gas and 20 Years of Bakken Benefits: North Dakota’s Energy Journey

An oil drilling rig stands on open grassland under a dramatic, cloudy sky. Several colorful storage tanks are nearby, with a few vehicles and equipment scattered around the site.

As North Dakotans mark April 4th, the 75th anniversary of the state’s first major oil discovery and the 20th anniversary of the modern economic benefits unlocked by the Bakken formation, it is a fitting moment to reflect on one of the most transformative chapters in the state’s history.

Energy Pioneers Mar 30, 2026

Energy Pioneers: Samuel Insull

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Electricity dominates many of today’s energy systems, encompassing 35% of U.S. primary energy consumption and providing clean, safe, efficient, and reliable power. From....