Here's a breakdown:
* Ancient Times: People were aware of natural gas seeping from the earth and using it for fire and lighting. Ancient Chinese texts from 2000 BC mention its use.
* 1600s: Natural gas was noted as a "burning spring" in England and in the 1700s in the USA.
* 1800s: Gas lighting was a major innovation, with natural gas being used in cities around the world. The first well specifically for natural gas was drilled in 1821 in Fredonia, New York.
* Late 1800s and 1900s: The discovery of large natural gas deposits in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world led to its widespread use as a fuel source.
Therefore, instead of a singular "discovery," it's more accurate to say that natural gas has been known and used in various ways for centuries, with the understanding and use of it evolving over time.