Portland Cement, Electromagnets, Passenger Rail, Matches

Romans used concrete in many of the things they made. Cement is a primary ingredient in concrete. The other ingredients in concrete are water and aggregate, which rock, sand, or gravel. Concrete fell out of use when Rome fell. Concrete was brought back to life by the British who were building lighthouses. Most modern structures rely on concrete that uses Portland cement. "Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty grout." The Hoover dam was built with Portland cement. 

William Sturgeon invented the electromagnet in 1824. Joseph Henry improved Sturgeon's magnet in 1830. This invention quickly spread as others became interested by the idea. Iron is easily magnetized. Electromagnets can create stronger magnetic fields with just the touch of a button.

George Stephenson was born in 1781. George Stephenson invented the passenger rail after spending years developing railroad lines. Passenger rail carried people over long distances. Stephenson's success helped the industry grow. He also trained Americans all how to build successful railroads too. Before Passenger rails were invented, it would take several months to get across the country. Passenger rails made it possible to get across the country in only a week.

John Walker was born in 1781. He became a pharmacist and invented matches almost by accident in 1826. Several improvements were made without a patent leading to the invention of the matchbook in 1890. Matches start fires quickly.