West Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Metallurgical Laboratory
Building 4
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
1. Metallurgical Laboratory Marker
Metals were vital to Thomas Edison from iron, copper, and various alloys used in new inventions to gold for plating phonograph record molds. Here in the metallurgical laboratory, workers collected, assayed, and evaluated the metals used for Edisons projects.
In the 1890s Edison employees experimented with the magnetic extraction of iron from low-grade ore. But by 1900, discovery of high-grade ore deposits dashed Edisons hopes of making a profit from milling New Jerseys low-grade ores. After losing millions, Edison stated, Well, its all gone, but we had a good time spending it!
Later, Building 4 was put to non-metallurgical uses. Experiments in sound recording and phonograph record supplication were conducted in this building before 1903. By 1912 much of the experimental work concentrated on the diamond disc phonograph.
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 1900.
Location. 40° 47.017′ N, 74° 14′ 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 in the Thomas Edison National
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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); Chemistry Laboratory (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop Building 7 (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Edison Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); The Courtyard (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Edisons West Orange Laboratory (within shouting distance of this marker); The Truck of the First Commercial Electric Railroad Locomotive. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Truck of the Second Commercial Electric Railroad Locomotive. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Orange.
More about this marker. A photograph at the bottom of the marker depicts Edison (seated, far right) and his assistants, known as the Insomnia Squad, paus[ing] for a meal in Building 4 in 1912.
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
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
2. Marker at Building 4
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2009
3. Edison National Historic Site Markers
Several markers are found in the courtyard of the Edison National Historic Site. Building 4 and the Metallurgical Laboratory marker can be seen to the right in the photo.
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 760 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
