Tech From the 1840s: History's Best Sellers

Extra! Extra! Step right up to inspect the definitive collection of first-rate tech releases from 1840s. Discover the genuine articles of American ingenuity that captured the public's fancy and won nationwide acclaim during this historic era.

1. Morse Telegraph Message

   Released in 1844 by Samuel Morse

   On May 24, 1844, history was made in the Supreme Court chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. It was on this date that inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, surrounded by dignitaries, officially inaugurated the nation's first commercial telegraph line. This public demonstration was the culmination of a Congressionally-funded project to connect Washington and Baltimore, Maryland, over a 40-mile wire. The message, chosen by Annie Ellsworth, daughter of the Patent Commissioner, was from the Bible (Numbers 23:23): 'What hath God wrought'. Morse tapped out the message, which was received almost instantly by his associate Alfred Vail in Baltimore, who then transmitted it back, proving the system's efficacy and heralding a new era of communication.