Nikola Tesla was the first to develop the theory, technology, and physical inventions that made long distance transmission of alternating current (AC) electricity a reality in America and ultimately throughout the world. In 1896, AC was transmitted from Niagara Falls through a still extant transformer station in North Tonawanda to Buffalo. The rest of the world followed what was started here. Tesla's transformational achievement was described in 1896 by the Buffalo Enquirer newspaper as "The journey of God's own Lightning to the employ of all mankind." During a celebration of the AC long distance accomplishment held at the Ellicott Square Building in Buffalo, NY, Tesla stated that this region was "sure to become one of the greatest industrial centers of the globe."