West Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chemistry Laboratory
Building 2
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
1. Chemistry Laboratory Marker
In 1887 this building was one of the best-equipped chemistry laboratories in the world. Within its walls, Thomas Edison and his chemists experimented on everything from phonograph records to rubber. Grand science, chemistry, Edison once said, I like it best of all the sciences.
Beginning in the late 1890s, Edison and his staff worked for more than a decade to develop a practical storage battery for electric automobiles. After thousands of experiments, they produced a nickel-iron-alkaline battery by 1909. Although not practical for electric autos, Edisons durable battery was used in industry, mining, and railroad applications.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 40° 47.026′ N, 74° 14.018′ W. Marker is in West Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County. It can be reached from Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located inside 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.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pattern Shop (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Edison Statue (within
this page online
More about this marker. Two photographs appear on the marker; one depicting Edisons chemists at work in 1910, and the other showing Thomas Edison experimenting with rubber in 1929.
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 . . . Thomas Edison National Historical Park, New Jersey. Nation Park Service website. (Submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
2. Marker in Edison National Historic Site
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
3. Chemistry Laboratory and Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
4. Building 2
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
5. Chemistry Laboratory and Building 11
This photo, taken from the courtyard at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, shows the Chemistry Laboratory (right) and Building 11.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
6. Inside Edision's Chemistry Laboratory
The interior of the Chemistry Laboratory appears today as it did when Thomas Edison and his employees conducted their experiments.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 977 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
