Library of Congress

Thomas Edison

A photo of Thomas Edison taken by Emil P. Spahn in New Jersey in 1880.  Edison was born in 1847, so he turned 43 that year.

Thomas Edison is credited with creating the first practical long-lasting light bulb. He also invented the phonograph and helped refine and develop motion picture cameras, the stock ticker, and other modern-age (for the 1800s and early 1900s) products.

Photo of Thomas Edison from the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. (Item LC-USZ62-98067)