West Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Thomas Edison’s West Orange Laboratory
The Invention Factory
In the fall of 1887, Thomas Edison moved into his new laboratory complex in the town of West Orange, N.J. For the next 44 years Edison directed teams of research assistants in his “Invention Factory” and created a model for modern research and development laboratories.
Today, New Jersey’s urban growth almost hides this historic site. Yet these brick buildings reveal the story of Thomas Edison, those who worked with him, and the inventions they produced.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 40° 47.044′ N, 74° 14.026′ W. Marker is in West Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County. Marker can be reached from Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the grounds of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Orange NJ 07052, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Truck of the Second Commercial Electric Railroad Locomotive. (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Edison Statue (a few steps from this marker); The Truck of the First Commercial Electric Railroad Locomotive. (a few steps from this marker); The Courtyard (a few steps from this marker); Black Maria Replica (a few steps from this marker); Making Movies (within shouting distance of this marker); The Black Maria (within shouting distance of this marker); The Main Gate (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Orange.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a map of the Laboratory Complex, indicating the location of the marker. The left side displays photographs of various sites in the complex, including the Gatehouse, Chemistry Lab, Pattern Shop, Library, Stockroom, Machine Shop, Music Room, Building 4, Building 11 and the Black Maria.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Take a tour of the markers found at the Laboratory Complex of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Also see . . .
1. Thomas Edison National Historical Park, New Jersey. Nation Park Service website. (Submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Thomas Edison and the phonograph - 1877. Edison reciting "Mary had a little lamb", the first recording he made on his phonograph. (Submitted on July 1, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,563 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 10. submitted on July 26, 2016, by Scott Sather of Salem, Oregon.