Collection
Samuel F. B. Morse Papers at the Library of Congress, 1793 to 1919
Articles and Essays
Artist, Politician, Photographer
Long before his interest turned to telegraphy, Samuel Finley Breese Morse intended to be an artist but an idea and opportunity forever changed the course of his journey.
Invention of the Telegraph
Long before Samuel F. B. Morse electrically transmitted his famous message "What hath God wrought?" from Washington to Baltimore on May 24, 1844, there were signaling systems that enabled people to communicate over distances.
Collection Highlights
The Library of Congress highlights select items that both influenced and directed Samuel F. B. Morse's growth and eventual invention of the telegraph.
Timeline
Samuel F. B. Morse's life and career are carefully showcased in this special presentation timeline.
Morse Family Tree
A closer look is taken into Samuel F. B. Morse's family tree through this Library of Congress special presentation.