Inventing the Telegraph
Samuel invented a prototype of the telegraph machine after studying the work of Joseph Henry. Around 1838, Samuel Formed a friendship and partnership with Alfred Vail, and together they developed the language known as Morse Code that is still used today with the help of Alfred’s funds.
Alfred and Samuel had a hard time finding investors for their new invention. They finally caught the eye of Francis O. J. Smith. The Congressman had the machine installed between two capitol buildings and for years they were able to send messages back-and-forth. Samuel received a patent for the telegraph in 1847, but was hit with several legal claims and fights from other inventors and various partners. The fights eventually made it to Supreme Court. The court decided that Morse was the original creator of the telegraph, but even with the decision, Morse didn’t get an official identification from the government.
Alfred and Samuel had a hard time finding investors for their new invention. They finally caught the eye of Francis O. J. Smith. The Congressman had the machine installed between two capitol buildings and for years they were able to send messages back-and-forth. Samuel received a patent for the telegraph in 1847, but was hit with several legal claims and fights from other inventors and various partners. The fights eventually made it to Supreme Court. The court decided that Morse was the original creator of the telegraph, but even with the decision, Morse didn’t get an official identification from the government.
How did this Invention change the world?
The telegraph changed the world by allowing for faster communication. This changed how people talked to loved ones, or others, and how military officials could talk to one another without the other side knowing. It changed how we communicate forever.