When was the lightning rod invented?

Franklin's lightning rods could soon be found protecting many buildings and homes. The lightning rod constructed on the dome of the State House in Maryland was the largest "Franklin" lightning rod ever attached to a public or private building in Ben's lifetime. read more

In 1749, Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod in North America during the course of his explorations into the nature of electricity. Franklin wrote about his invention known as the "lightning attractor" and the "Franklin rod," outlining its specifications for the protection of homes and sailing vessels, in 1753. read more

The principle of the lightning rod was first detailed by Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania in 1749, who in the subsequent years developed his invention for household application (published in 1753) and further improvements towards a reliable system around 1760. read more