[Detail] Samuel F. B. Morse's colored sketch of railway telegraph, ca. 1838. 
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Collection Overview
Samuel F.B. Morse Papers at the Library of Congress, 1793-1919 documents the life and work of the inventor of the electromagnetic telegraph and his participation in the development of telegraph systems throughout the world. A talented artist, this collection also includes many of Morse's drawings and designs as well as his photographs. Also included are writings relating to Morse's family, religion and the nativist movement.
Special Features
These online exhibits provide context and additional information about this collection.
- Collection Highlights
- Timeline
- Morse Family Tree
- Invention of the Telegraph
- The Lesser-Known Morse: Artist, Politician, Photographer
Historical Eras
These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.
- The New Nation, 1780-1815
- Expansion and Reform, 1801-1861
- The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877
Related Collections and Exhibits
These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.
- Alexander Graham Bell Family Papers
- America's First Look into the Camera: Daguerreotype Portraits and Views
- Inventing Entertainment: The Edison Companies
- Words and Deeds in American History
Other Resources
Recommended additional sources of information.
Search Tips
Specific guidance for searching this collection
To find items in this collection, search by Keyword or browse by Series
For help with general search strategies, go to Finding Items in American Memory.
Last Updated: 11/03/2009