Telegraph-History   This site contains several articles that focus on U.S. Telegraph-History. The majority of these articles first appeared in the "Key and Telegraph" column of "The AWA Journal," the quarterly magazine of the Antique Wireless Association     (A non-profit historical society.) These web versions have been expanded to include additional information, images and illustrations.   Some have evolved into comprehensive sites. Other articles are original classic works by telegraph pioneers, engineers and inventors.   Certain new articles will be added here in the future.      The TELEGRAPH    A description of telegraph systems written primarily by Thomas A. Edison as published in Appletons' Cyclopaedia of Applied Mechanics in 1880. Early Manufacturers of Telegraph and Electrical Apparatus An article and web site that lists U.S. telegraph manufacturers that were in operation prior to 1918. Also included are over 415 manufacturer ads with notes about the companies and people associated with them. When the Telegraph Came to California Two articles by James Gamble from The Californian magazine, 1881 : Early Reminiscences of the Telegraph on the Pacific Coast The first telegraph lines in California. and Wiring A Continent The making of the U.S. transcontinental telegraph line. Charles Williams Jr. Charles Williams Jr. was an important telegraph instrument manufacturer. But, it was the experimental apparatus built at his machine shop that became historic for the U.S. telecommunications industry. His Boston factory is considered the birthplace of the telephone. Part One: Experimental Apparatus Made to Order and Part Two: Human Voice Sent via Telegraph George M. Phelps 19th century telegraph instrument maker and inventor for The American Telegraph Co. and Western Union. Horace G. Martin Telegrapher, inventor, and manufacturer best known for his invention of the Vibroplex Bug. The Western Electric Manufacturing Co. The history of the company that evolved from the needs and influence of Western Union into the Western Electric Company. The Vail Register The telegraph register designed by Alfred Vail that was used on the first telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore in 1844. Bunnell vs Bunnell A Bunnell Telegraphic and Electrical Co. catalog is also viewable here. J.H. Bunnell & Co. was the largest manufacturer of telegraph instruments in the United States. This article covers the history of two competing Bunnell companies that merged in the early 1900s. A Monument to Charles Minot The history of the monument erected to commemorate the introduction of the telegraph in U.S. railway service. Franklin L. Pope Engineer, inventor, telegrapher, explorer, writer, and an early partner with Thomas Edison. Relays, Keys, Registers and Sounders By Franklin Pope From: The Telegrapher July 27, 1872. An early article that documents the evolution of telegraph instruments in the U.S. and provides a snapshot of its progress as of 1872. The Telegraph Instrument factory of John Dean Caton The story of the Illinois State Supreme Court Judge who brought the telegraph to the mid-west United States during the 1850s. John C. Barclay : Western Union's Chief Engineer, 1902 - 1910. The career and inventions of this former telegrapher best known for his work in printing telegraphy. The Bunnell Double Speed Key: Was it Really Introduced in 1888? An important key design introduced during the emerging semi-automatic telegraph key market. The Evolution of a Triumph The history of the most popular telegraph key used in the U.S. Signature of The Father The last telegraph message by Samuel Morse sent from the Academy of Music, New York - June 10, 1871. The Old Time Telegraphers' and Historical Association and The Society of the United States Military Telegraph Corps An article that covers the history of two prestigious telegrapher organizations. George Conkling: Champion Telegrapher The career of a famous telegrapher and his association with some unique telegraph keys. The Origin of the Word "Bug" The technical and legal history of the name given to semi-automatic transmitters. L. G. Tillotson & Co.                and E. S. Greeley & Co. Two successive companies that were major telegraph manufacturers during the 19th century. Their business growth was directly influenced by the expansion of the U.S. railroad industry. New The M.P. Pedersen/Amplidan Key A popular maritime key with 19th century roots

Thomas Hall Catalog An illustrated catalog of telegraphic and electrical instruments by Thomas Hall of Boston, MA, published in 1881.

Bunnell Telegraphic and Electrical Co. Catalog A catalog of telegraph instruments by the Bunnell Telegraphic and Electrical Company of New York, NY, published ca. 1901.

Click here to view this early map showing the lines of  Morse's Electro-Magnetic Telegraph that were in operation and being constructed in the U.S. as of January, 1848.                From : The Weekly Herald, New York January 29, 1848

Click here to view the map:  Telegraph Stations in the United States, the Canadas and Nova Scotia. From : The Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Barr, Chas. B. Published 1853

Click here to view the map:  U.S. Transcontinental Telegraph Line 1861 The Atlantic and Pacific coasts were linked together by constructing a line from the "Eastern Connection" at Omaha, Nebraska to the "Western Connection" at Carson City, Nevada. From: The New Naval and Military Map of the United States, by J. Calvin Smith, J. M. Atwood, map engraver, Philadelphia, Pa. 1862. "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1862 by R.P. Smith." Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Washington, D.C.

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