Gayborhood in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Oldest Photograph
Photographed By Keith S Smith, January 21, 2012
1. Oldest Photograph Marker
America’s earliest surviving photograph was made here about Sept. 25, 1839. Using a cigar box and crude lens, Joseph Saxton of the U.S. Mint created an image of Central High School (now demolished) shortly after Daguerre had announced his process in France.
Erected 1989 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Places • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 25, 1930.
Location. 39° 57.045′ N, 75° 9.773′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Gayborhood. Marker is at the intersection of Chestnut Street and South Juniper Street, on the right when traveling north on Chestnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1337 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Eakins (a few steps from this marker); Women's PA. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); On this block in 1871 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Wanamaker (1838-1922)
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Photographed By Keith S Smith, January 21, 2012
2. Oldest Photograph looking west
Photographed By Keith S Smith, January 21, 2012
3. Oldest Photograph Marker
Courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, September 25, 1939
4. Philadelphia Central High School Daguerreotype
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,043 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 30, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on January 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
