1752 - Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with electricity, some involving the kite he uses to draw electricity from gathering storm clouds, lead him to the invention of a lightning rod. Franklin -- a printer, journalist, politician and diplomat during the times of the American Revolution -- was also an amateur scientist and inventor. Many American Founding Fathers were consummate innovators -- not only in politics and law, but also in technology, economics, education, architecture and other areas. (Library of Congress)