"The invention of glass in the United States was driven by the need for a new material that could be used in various applications, such as windows, tableware, and other household items. The early glassmaking in the United States was a response to the challenges of glass production in England, where the industry faced difficulties due to the reliance on wood for fuel and the lack of a suitable glassmaking recipe. The United States, with its abundant forests, provided a natural resource for glassmaking. The first glass factory in the United States was established in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608, marking the beginning of industrial glass production in North America. Despite early attempts at glassmaking, the industry did not flourish until the middle of the 19th century due to slow technological advancement and British restrictions on the production of goods in the thirteen colonies."

Wikidpedia

I would say it was an accidental discovery that was investigated because of the desire to create Jewelry.. colored Glass was probably considered valuable jewelry in the early days..

The first industrial production of glass in the United States was in Jamestown in 1608. The invention was much earlier.

So we could build glass houses to throw stones at?

We needed something to put our drinks in....the lead was making them crazy